Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Clarion County, PA, had a population of approximately 37,241. The median age was 41.5 years. The gender distribution was nearly even, with 49.4% male and 50.6% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (94.6%), followed by African American (2.2%), Asian (0.7%), and those of two or more races (2.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1.1% of the population.

Elections

As of May 2024, Clarion County, PA, has approximately 21,500 registered voters: 62% Republican, 27% Democrat, and 11% other parties or unaffiliated. Elections include primaries, general, and special elections, with 28 polling locations across 15 municipalities. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Republicans won with 72% of the county vote. Key issues include rural broadband, economic development, and infrastructure. The Clarion County Board of Elections oversees administration and compliance. Both major parties maintain active committees, though Republican turnout remains consistently higher than Democrats in recent cycles.

Education, Employment and Housing

Clarion County, PA, has approximately 10 public schools, including Clarion Area High School and Keystone High School. The high school graduation rate is about 90%, while 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average SAT scores hover around 1040. The county offers adult education programs through Clarion University and local tech centers. Schools emphasize safety with updated protocols, reporting low incident rates. Academic programs include AP courses, vocational training, and dual enrollment partnerships, supporting both college and career readiness.

As of 2023, Clarion County, PA, reports an employment rate of approximately 56%. The largest industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (14%), Manufacturing (13%), and Retail Trade (12%). Major occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (14%), Production (11%), and Sales (10%). About 79% of residents commute by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes; roughly 47% work outside the county, often traveling to Venango and Butler counties. The public sector, including Clarion University, is a significant local employer.

Clarion County, PA, has a homeownership rate of approximately 70%, with median home values around $130,000. Median monthly rent is about $750. The property market has seen modest growth of 3-5% annually since 2020. Housing stock primarily consists of single-family homes, with some apartments concentrated in Clarion Borough and Rimersburg. Neighborhoods offer a mix of rural and small-town settings. The county’s property tax rate averages 1.3%, which is below the Pennsylvania state average, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Clarion County, PA, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 210 total crimes, with violent crimes comprising less than 10% (around 18 incidents). Property crimes, including theft and burglary, accounted for about 192 cases. The county’s crime rate of roughly 7.5 crimes per 1,000 residents is below Pennsylvania’s state average. Most incidents are reported in Clarion borough, with law enforcement actively promoting community safety and timely crime reporting through various public resources.