Where is Lancaster, South Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Lancaster is a city in the Piedmont region of South Carolina and the county seat of Lancaster County. Located about 35 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, it serves as a regional center for business, education, and government. The city is known for its historic downtown, Lancaster County Courthouse, cultural attractions, and nearby Carolina Sandhills landscapes.

Location Map of Lancaster, Lancaster County, South Carolina

Where is Lancaster Located in Lancaster County, South Carolina

About Map: The map shows the location of Lancaster in Lancaster County, in the U.S. state of South Carolina.

Lancaster Map, South Carolina

About Lancaster Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Lancaster in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Lancaster Located?

Lancaster is a city located in Lancaster County, South Carolina, the United States. It lies in the north-central part of South Carolina, about 35 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and roughly 55 miles north of Columbia. The city is located at approximately 34.720° North latitude and 80.771° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 8,601 residents, and Lancaster covers about 6.55 square miles (16.96 sq km). The community was established in the 18th century and grew around agriculture, trade, and textile manufacturing. Lancaster takes its name from Lancaster County, which was named for Lancaster in England. The city is the county seat and remains an important government and commercial center for the surrounding region. One of its notable landmarks is the historic Lancaster County Courthouse in the downtown area. The Lancaster Historic District contains historic homes and commercial buildings that reflect the city's long history. Nearby attractions include Andrew Jackson State Park, Landsford Canal State Park, and the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. A unique feature of Lancaster is its location near the Catawba River and the historic textile communities of the Carolina Piedmont. U.S. Highway 521 and South Carolina Highway 9 provide road connections to Charlotte, Rock Hill, Columbia, and other communities.

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Lancaster City Facts

CityLancaster
StateSouth Carolina
CountyLancaster County
CountryUnited States
RegionPiedmont / North-Central South Carolina
Incorporated1831
Founded1785
Total Area6.55 sq mi (16.96 sq km)
Land Area6.54 sq mi (16.94 sq km)
Water Area0.01 sq mi (0.03 sq km)
ElevationAbout 600 ft (183 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 9,000
Population (2020 Census)8,601
Population DensityAbout 1,315 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET)
ZIP Codes29720, 29721, 29722
Area Code803, 839
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 521, South Carolina Highway 9, South Carolina Highway 200
Public TransitSouth Carolina Department of Transportation regional transit services
Major AttractionsLancaster Historic District, Lancaster County Courthouse, Andrew Jackson State Park, Springs House
Official Websitehttps://www.mylancastersc.org/

Distance from Lancaster, SC to Nearby Cities

  • Indian Land, SC – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Fort Mill, SC – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Rock Hill, SC – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Chester, SC – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Charlotte, NC – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Monroe, NC – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Waxhaw, NC – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Pageland, SC – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Kershaw, SC – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Camden, SC – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Columbia, SC – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Sumter, SC – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Rockingham, NC – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Spartanburg, SC – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Greenville, SC – 105 miles (169 km)

Top Attractions in Lancaster

  • Lancaster Historic District – A historic downtown area with preserved homes, commercial buildings, churches, and local landmarks.
  • Lancaster County Courthouse – A prominent historic civic building in the center of Lancaster that reflects the city's role as the county seat.
  • Andrew Jackson State Park – A nearby park honoring President Andrew Jackson with a museum, hiking trails, camping, fishing, and a replica colonial cabin.
  • Landsford Canal State Park – A historic park along the Catawba River featuring canal ruins, hiking trails, fishing, and seasonal views of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily.
  • Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge – A large protected landscape with longleaf pine forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and outdoor trails.
  • Springs House – A historic Lancaster landmark associated with the Springs textile family and local history.
  • Bob Doster's Backstreet Studio – A local arts venue and sculpture studio featuring metalwork, public art, and creative events.
  • Buford Battlefield – A historic site near Lancaster associated with a Civil War battle and the Carolina Campaign.

Airports Near Lancaster

  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – 45 miles
  • Rock Hill/York County Airport (UZA) – 30 miles
  • Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (JQF) – 55 miles
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) – 65 miles
  • Florence Regional Airport (FLO) – 100 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Lancaster city website and local government records.

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