Centre County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of 2022, Centre County, PA has a population of approximately 161,800. The median age is 33.8 years, reflecting the presence of Penn State University. Females make up about 48.2% and males 51.8%. The racial composition is 83% White, 6% Asian, 4.6% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, and the remainder identifying with other or multiple races, highlighting modest diversity in the area.

As of 2024, Centre County, PA, has over 110,000 registered voters: ~46% Democrat, 39% Republican, and 15% Other/No Affiliation. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections; in 2022, voter turnout was 60%. The county operates 87 polling locations, overseen by the Centre County Board of Elections. Recent issues include mail-in ballot access and campus voting for Penn State students. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won Centre County with 53% of the vote; Donald Trump received 45%. Both major parties actively campaign and organize local events.

Centre County, PA, features 11 public high schools and several private institutions, serving around 7,400 high school students. The area reports a high school graduation rate of about 94% and 48% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—both exceeding state averages. Penn State University, in State College, offers extensive adult education and continuing education programs. Public schools score above 75 on the Pennsylvania School Performance Profile (SPP). Districts prioritize safety, with programs like Safe2Say Something. Additional offerings include Advanced Placement (AP), career and technical education, and STEM initiatives across multiple schools.

Centre County, PA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.1% as of 2023. The largest employing industries are education and health services (31%), retail trade (11%), and leisure/hospitality (11%). Most common occupations include management, business, science, and arts (45%). About 75% of residents commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes. Major employment hubs include State College, home to Penn State University, which is the county’s largest employer. A small portion (7%) of workers are employed outside Centre County.

Centre County, PA, has a homeownership rate of around 55%, with a median home value of about $310,000 in 2024, up 5% from last year. Median rent is roughly $1,200/month. Housing types range from single-family homes in neighborhoods like Park Forest and Lemont to student rentals near Penn State in State College. The county’s property tax rate averages 1.15% of assessed value. Popular communities include Bellefonte and Boalsburg, offering both historic and suburban living options. The housing market remains competitive due to the university presence and growing demand.

Centre County, PA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was about 11.3 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes (including assault and robbery) at 1.1 per 1,000 and property crimes at 10.2 per 1,000. The local police department encourages public reporting, resulting in nearly 2,000 incidents documented annually. State College, the largest borough, reports higher safety due to active law enforcement and community programs. Residents generally experience a safe environment, with a consistent decline in crime over the past five years.