Lancaster

The City in Brief

Founded: 1718 (incorporated 1818)

Head Official: Mayor Charlie Smithgall (R) (since 1998)

City Population

1980: 54,725

1990: 55,551

2000: 56,348

2003 estimate: 55,351

Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 384th

U.S. rank in 1990: 429th (State rank: 8th)

U.S. rank in 2000: 597th (State rank: 11th)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 362,000

1990: 422,822

2000: 470,658

Percent change, 1990–2000: 11.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 91st

U.S. rank in 1990: 85th

U.S. rank in 2000: 88th

Area: 7 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 368 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 52.2° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 43 inches of rain; 31 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, services, retail trade

Unemployment Rate: 3.5% (May 2005)

Per Capita Income: $13,955 (1999)

2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 2,785

Major Colleges and Universities: Franklin and Marshall College; Pennsylvania School of Art and Design; Harrisburg Area Community College-Lancaster

Daily Newspaper: Intelligencer Journal; Lancaster New Era