Lancaster ZIP Code List — Worcester County, MA

There is one unique ZIP code in Lancaster, Massachusetts and it is 01523. Area code: 978.

ZIP codes

27.43

sq mi land

0.53

sq mi water

978

area code

Lancaster, MA ZIP code map

About Lancaster, MA

Lancaster, Massachusetts, is a charming town located in Worcester County. Known for its historic significance and natural beauty, it offers a blend of rural and suburban living. With a unique character shaped by its rich history and strong community, Lancaster is a delightful place to explore.

Location & geography

Lancaster is situated in central Massachusetts and is approximately 10 miles northeast of Worcester, 30 miles west of Boston, 22 miles southwest of Lowell, and 12 miles southeast of Fitchburg. The town covers a total land area of 27.43 square miles with an additional 0.53 square miles of water surface, contributing to its picturesque landscape. The terrain features a mix of rolling hills and open spaces, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Lancaster is defined by its welcoming residents and a close-knit community atmosphere. The town has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from agriculture to small businesses, and emphasizes a strong commitment to education and community services. Daily life in Lancaster is marked by local events, parks, and recreational activities that foster a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.

Transportation

Lancaster is accessible via several major highways, including Massachusetts Route 2, which connects it to larger cities in the region. The nearest airport, Worcester Regional Airport, is approximately 16 miles away, providing convenient travel options. Local transport options may include regional bus services and community shuttles.

History

Founded in the 17th century, Lancaster is one of the oldest towns in Worcester County with a rich history tied to colonial America. The town's economy historically revolved around agriculture and manufacturing, contributing to its growth and development during the 19th century. Notably, Lancaster was once home to several influential figures in the early education movement.

Did you know?

A little-known fact about Lancaster is that it was originally established as the first community in Worcester County. Additionally, the town is home to a portion of the historic Nashua River, which enhances its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

ZIP codes for Lancaster, MA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
01523	Lancaster	Worcester	View map

Demographics & statistics

8,395

Population

42.0

Median age

$111,506

Median household income

$47,608

Per capita income

$398,200

Median home value

$1,816

Median monthly rent

82.5%

Home ownership

3.1%

Poverty rate

9.9%

Unemployment

2,480

Housing units

51.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

198

Under 5

171

207

5–9

178

208

10–14

179

319

15–19

275

252

20–24

217

676

25–34

583

560

35–44

483

554

45–54

477

378

55–59

326

342

60–64

294

417

65–74

360

349

75–84

300

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,489	17.7%
18 and over	6,906	82.3%
65 and over	1,518	18.1%
Median age	42.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 84.9%

Hispanic or Latino 4.4%

Two or more races 4.3%

Black or African American 3.8%

Other race 1.7%

Asian 0.7%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	7,454	84.9%
Hispanic or Latino	383	4.4%
Two or more races	381	4.3%
Black or African American	336	3.8%
Other race	150	1.7%
Asian	61	0.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native	13	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 4.8%

$10k–$15k 0.5%

$15k–$25k 2.4%

$25k–$35k 2.8%

$35k–$50k 4.2%

$50k–$75k 14.9%

$75k–$100k 13.3%

$100k–$150k 20.9%

$150k–$200k 18.0%

$200k+ 18.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.8%
$10k–$15k	0.5%
$15k–$25k	2.4%
$25k–$35k	2.8%
$35k–$50k	4.2%
$50k–$75k	14.9%
$75k–$100k	13.3%
$100k–$150k	20.9%
$150k–$200k	18.0%
$200k+	18.1%
Median income	$111,506

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.9%

$150k–$200k 1.7%

$200k–$300k 12.7%

$300k–$500k 45.7%

$500k–$1M 33.8%

$1M+ 3.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$398,200
Median rent / month	$1,816
Owner occupied	82.5%
Renter occupied	17.5%
Vacant	0.7%
Single-family detached	81.3%
Large apartment buildings	1.4%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.50

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.8%
2000–2009	16.8%
1990–1999	10.1%
1980–1989	7.3%
1970–1979	7.0%
1960–1969	13.4%
1950–1959	6.8%
1940–1949	11.5%
1939 or earlier	22.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	3.9%
1 bedroom	9.0%
2 bedrooms	14.5%
3 bedrooms	47.8%
4 bedrooms	21.7%
5+ bedrooms	3.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.2%
1 vehicle	32.9%
2 vehicles	35.1%
3 or more	27.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	9.0%
Electricity	13.7%
Propane / LP gas	12.7%
Fuel oil	60.0%
Wood	2.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,625	54.5%
Cohabiting couple	167	5.6%
Male householder, no spouse	341	11.4%
Female householder, no spouse	848	28.4%
Households with children under 18	927	31.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,076	36.1%
Average household size	2.45

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	44.8%	24.1%
Married	42.0%	52.9%
Separated	1.2%	1.3%
Widowed	0.7%	11.7%
Divorced	11.3%	9.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.7%

Some HS, no diploma 4.6%

HS graduate 21.8%

Some college, no degree 15.3%

Associate's degree 5.4%

Bachelor's degree 33.4%

Graduate / professional 17.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.7%
Bachelor's or higher	51.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	87	4.9%
Kindergarten	18	1.0%
Elementary school	657	36.7%
High school	665	37.1%
College / grad school	365	20.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 26.4%

Professional & management 13.7%

Manufacturing 13.4%

Retail trade 10.5%

Wholesale trade 8.7%

Construction 7.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.9%

Finance & real estate 3.6%

Information 3.2%

Other services 3.0%

Public administration 2.6%

Transportation & utilities 1.4%

Agriculture & mining 1.1%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	57.6%
Service	7.4%
Sales & office	16.7%
Natural resources & construction	7.0%
Production & transportation	11.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	84.9%
Government	9.0%
Self-employed	5.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.4%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	56.8%
Carpool	2.3%
Public transit	1.0%
Walk	1.4%
Other means	5.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	29.5

Poverty

All people 3.1%

Under 18 years 3.2%

18 and over 3.1%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 13.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	30.4%
Retirement income	29.9%
Supplemental Security	0.0%
Cash public assistance	1.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	26.6%
High cholesterol	29.1%
Heart disease	4.9%
Stroke	2.2%
Asthma	10.0%
Arthritis	23.6%
Kidney disease	2.2%
Pulmonary disease	4.9%
Cancer	6.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	19.1%
No physical activity	19.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.3%
Fair or poor health	9.9%
Poor mental health	13.3%
Poor physical health	7.8%
No health insurance	7.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.3%
Visited dentist	74.1%
Cholesterol screening	90.0%
Teeth loss	11.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	331	4.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	10.7%
Under 18	7.5%
18–64 years	6.8%
65 and over	26.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	82.8%
Public insurance	31.7%
Uninsured under 19	1.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	8,026	95.6%
Spanish	235	2.9%
Other Indo-European	187	2.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	39	0.5%
Other languages	9	0.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	7,825	93.2%
Born in same state	7,712	91.9%
Born in different state	6,659	79.3%
Foreign born	113	1.3%
Naturalized citizen	570	6.8%
Not a US citizen	419	73.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	1,089	13%
French	1,038	12.4%
Arab	474	5.6%
German	293	3.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	90	1.1%
Dutch	78	0.9%
English	13	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	35.5%
Internet access	96.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Lancaster, MA?

Lancaster, MA has one ZIP code: 01523.

What is the main ZIP code for Lancaster, MA?

The primary ZIP code for Lancaster, MA is 01523. The city uses area code 978 for phone service.

What county is Lancaster, MA in?

Lancaster is located in Worcester County, Massachusetts.

How many ZIP codes are in Lancaster, MA?

Lancaster, MA has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use when mailing something to the Lancaster Town Center downtown area?

The Lancaster Town Center and downtown Lancaster area uses ZIP code 01523, which covers the entire town of Lancaster, MA.

What is the ZIP code for properties near the Nashua River in Lancaster, Massachusetts?

Properties along the Nashua River in Lancaster, including those in the river valley areas, are located in ZIP code 01523, which is the sole ZIP code serving the entire town.