Lancaster is part of the middle Susquehanna River Basin in the southeastern section of Pennsylvania. It is located near the center of Lancaster County in one of the most fertile agricultural lowland areas in the United States. The surrounding terrain is generally rolling, with some low ranges of hills. To the west lie the Susquehanna River and the South Mountains. The climate is classified "humid continental." The southeast corner of Pennsylvania lies in the path of Caribbean hurricanes that occasionally bring high winds and heavy rains to the area.
Area: 7 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 368 feet above sea level
Average Temperatures: January, 29.1° F; July, 74.4° F; annual average, 52.2° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 43 inches of rain; 31 inches of snow