Blair County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of the 2020 Census, Blair County, PA had a population of approximately 122,822. The median age is about 43 years. Females constitute 50.7% of the population, and males 49.3%. The racial composition is predominantly White (93.1%), with Black or African American (3.0%), Asian (0.6%), two or more races (2.5%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). This reflects a largely homogeneous community with a slightly aging population.

Blair County, PA, had about 77,000 registered voters in 2024, with Republicans making up roughly 57%, Democrats 35%, and Others/Independents 8%. Elections include primaries, generals, and special elections. In the 2020 general election, 68% voted Republican in the presidential race. There are over 80 polling locations countywide, administered by the Blair County Office of Elections. Common local issues include school funding and infrastructure. The county leans Republican, with both major parties actively campaigning. Election results, polling places, and registration details are managed by the county's bipartisan Board of Elections, ensuring secure and fair processes.

Blair County, PA, hosts approximately 15 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of about 88%. Roughly 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county includes the Altoona Area School District, known for its career and technical education programs. Average school safety scores align with state averages, and over 7,000 students are enrolled in K-12 schools. Adult education is supported through area vocational schools and Penn State Altoona. Educational programs emphasize STEM and workforce readiness, with public schools scoring around 6/10 on GreatSchools ratings.

Blair County, PA, had an unemployment rate of 3.8% as of early 2024. The largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (11%). Top occupations include office and administrative support (14%), sales (10%), and production (9%). About 83% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 20 minutes; over 70% work within the county, while the rest commute to nearby areas like Centre and Cambria counties. Notably, professional, scientific, and technical services employ about 5% of the workforce.

Blair County, PA, has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with a median home value of approximately $146,000 in 2024. Median rent stands near $850 per month. Property values have risen about 5% over the past year. Housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and some apartments, with neighborhoods such as Hollidaysburg and Altoona offering diverse options. The effective property tax rate is about 1.3%. Homeowners benefit from relatively affordable housing compared to state averages, attracting both families and retirees.

Blair County, PA, reports a moderate crime rate compared to the state average. In 2022, there were approximately 1,250 property crimes and 240 violent crimes, resulting in a crime rate of 22.6 per 1,000 residents. The overall safety index is rated average, with most incidents involving theft and burglary. Local law enforcement encourages community engagement and offers online crime reporting. Recent trends show a slight increase in drug-related offenses, while violent crime has remained relatively stable. Residents are advised to stay informed through the Blair County Police Department’s updates and public safety alerts.