Lancaster is located in Lancaster County, of which it is the county seat. The city is situated north of Columbia between Chester and Cheraw along Highway 200 near the North Carolina state line. Wateree Lake and the Wateree River are located nearby.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 8,676, a decrease of 238 since 1990.
Lancaster is located in Upstate South Carolina. Today, the region generally referred to as the Upstate offers a wide variety of attractions and outdoor activities: 90 festivals throughout the year, more than 500 historic sites, 12 state parks, and numerous recreational opportunities.
There is also a Lancaster, Virginia.