Antioch CA vs Lancaster CA — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026

Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)

Antioch, CA

California · Population: 115,759

  • Median HH Income$94,256
  • Median Home Price$596,401
  • Unemployment7.1%
  • Bachelor's+23.9%

Lancaster, CA

California · Population: 170,013

  • Median HH Income$76,083
  • Median Home Price$466,147
  • Unemployment7.1%
  • Bachelor's+20.1%

Detailed Comparison

Demographics

Population
Antioch
115,759
Lancaster
170,013
Lancaster +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Antioch
N/A
Lancaster
N/A
Median Age
Antioch
38.1
Lancaster
34.2
Lancaster +
Foreign Born
Antioch
23.8%
Antioch +
Lancaster
13.9%
White
Antioch
29.5%
Lancaster
35.5%
Lancaster +
Black
Antioch
19.7%
Lancaster
21.4%
Lancaster +
Asian
Antioch
13.6%
Antioch +
Lancaster
4.0%
Hispanic
Antioch
36.1%
Lancaster
45.9%
Lancaster +
Spanish at Home
Antioch
N/A
Lancaster
N/A

Economy

Median HH Income
Antioch
$94,256
Antioch +
Lancaster
$76,083
Per Capita Income
Antioch
$40,337
Antioch +
Lancaster
$29,766
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Antioch
$77,230
Lancaster
$77,230
Tie
Unemployment Rate
Antioch
7.1%
Antioch +
Lancaster
7.1%
Poverty Rate
Antioch
11.2%
Antioch +
Lancaster
15.5%
Bachelor's Degree+
Antioch
23.9%
Antioch +
Lancaster
20.1%

Housing

Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Antioch
$596,401
Lancaster
$466,147
Lancaster +
Homeownership Rate
Antioch
63.5%
Antioch +
Lancaster
58.4%

Safety

Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Antioch
503
Lancaster
503
Tie
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Antioch
2388
Lancaster
2388
Tie

Health

Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Antioch
32.9%
Lancaster
30.6%
Lancaster +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Antioch
12.5%
Antioch +
Lancaster
12.6%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Antioch
18.4%
Antioch +
Lancaster
19.3%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Antioch
11.1%
Antioch +
Lancaster
12.9%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Antioch
15.2%
Antioch +
Lancaster
15.8%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Antioch
12.1%
Antioch +
Lancaster
14.0%

Climate

Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Antioch
61.5°F
Antioch +
Lancaster
62.1°F
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Antioch
13.2 in
Lancaster
7.4 in
Lancaster +

Air Quality

PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Antioch
7.9 µg/m³
Lancaster
7.9 µg/m³
Tie
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Antioch
75.0%
Lancaster
75.0%
Tie

Commute

Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Antioch
45.9 min
Lancaster
33.0 min
Lancaster +

Which City is Right for You?

Antioch leads in median household income at $94,256, while lancaster offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $466,147. On public safety, Lancaster is safer with a violent crime rate of 503 per 100,000 residents, compared to 503 in Antioch. Antioch has a lower unemployment rate at 7.1%, and Lancaster has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.9 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Lancaster scores better with a lower obesity rate of 30.6%.

Compare More Cities

About Antioch & Lancaster