Lancaster, CA Neighborhood
Is Independence / University Park a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Lancaster, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe4
Medium1
Low0
Other1
17 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape1
Child involved10
Assault0
Other6
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, law enforcement units reportedly made entry into a residence near 155th Street West in the Lancaster area and conducted a protective sweep, including the backyard. | 155th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jun 17, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, patrol units report a possible rekindled brush fire near West Avenue E in the Lancaster area. Light smoke from mulch appears to be contained within existing dozer lines, and no structures are threatened. Most additional responding units were canceled while a nearby engine and patrol remained on scene. | W Ave E, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Fire & Arson |
| Jun 17, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews are sent back to a reported brush fire near West Avenue E in the Lancaster area, referred to as the (person_name withheld) incident. | W Ave E, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Fire & Arson |
| Jun 11, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews were sent to the area of 190th Street West and Avenue E to look for a reported white pickup truck near a location on Avenue E. The responding engine reported locating the pickup truck at the scene. | Avenue E, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Fire & Arson |
| Jun 11, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to reports of a grass fire and a possible illegal burn near Avenue C10 and 85th Street West in the Lancaster area. A small grass and palm tree fire was reported contained, and the illegal burn was found to be out on arrival. Additional smoke near other nearby intersections was being checked by units. | W Ave C10, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Fire & Arson |
| May 26, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for a seizure was reported near 130th Street West in Lancaster, involving squad and patrol units. | 130th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536 | Medical Emergency |
Median Home Price
$665,542
Average Rent
$3,837
Vacancy Rate
9.6%
Neighborhood Overview
Independence / University Park is a suburban neighborhood in Lancaster, California, with a mix of medium to large single-family homes and apartment complexes.
The neighborhood has a vacancy rate of 9.6%, higher than 61.1% of U.S. neighborhoods, and a median home price of $665,542, less expensive than most California neighborhoods.
SuburbanOwner OccupiedMixed HousingHigher Vacancy
Quick Facts
| Suburban Neighborhood | Yes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Housing includes medium to large single-family homes and apartments, mostly built between 1970 and 1999, with some newer homes and a higher vacancy rate.
| Large Homes (4+ bedrooms) | More than 99.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Homes Built 1970-1999 | Majority |
| Mixed Housing Types | Includes apartments and single-family homes |
| Owner Occupied | Majority |
What buyers will notice right away
The neighborhood has a very high share of large homes, making it attractive for families needing space.
Vacancy rate is above average, which may indicate weaker demand or new housing supply.
Families & Lifestyle
Independence / University Park has a diverse occupational mix and a strong presence of government workers, with a family-friendly environment supported by local amenities.
High proportion of executive and professional occupations supports a stable community.
Presence of government jobs adds employment stability.
Diverse Workforce — Residents work in executive, sales, clerical, and government roles, reflecting varied lifestyles.
| Government Worker Share | 17.8% |
|---|
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 45.4% |
|---|---|
| Sales and Service Jobs | 24.9% |
| Clerical and Tech Support | 19.6% |
| Government Jobs | 17.8% |
| Tagalog Speakers | 2.7% |
| English Speakers | 75.4% |
| Spanish Speakers | Significant |
Commute
Most residents drive alone to work, with a notable carpool rate. Commute times are generally shorter than average.
Independence / University Park offers convenient commute times with high car usage and a significant carpooling community.
High Drive Alone Rate — Most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting.
Notable Carpooling — Carpooling rate is higher than many neighborhoods, reflecting community commuting patterns.
| Drive Alone Rate | 77.7% |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 14.0% |
| Most Common Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
Homes for sale near 93536
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price?
The median home price is $665,542.
What types of homes are common?
Medium to large single-family homes and apartments built mostly between 1970 and 1999.
What is the vacancy rate?
The vacancy rate is 9.6%, higher than average.