Elk County Public RecordsPennsylvania

Elk County, PA has a population of approximately 30,800. The median age is about 46 years, reflecting an aging demographic. The gender split is nearly even, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (97.7%), with small minorities of Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Asian (0.5%), Black or African American (0.4%), and others. The area is largely rural, with most residents identifying as non-Hispanic and of European descent.

As of 2024, Elk County, PA, has around 20,600 registered voters: approximately 58% Republican, 31% Democrat, and 11% other parties or unaffiliated. Voters participate in primary and general elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won with 72% of the county vote. The county operates 19 polling locations. Key local issues include economic development and opioid addiction. Elections are administered by the Elk County Board of Elections, ensuring compliance with state regulations and accessibility for all voters. Major parties represented include Republican and Democratic.

Elk County, PA has about 11 public schools, including five high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, while 17% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Average standardized test scores fall slightly below the statewide average, with a typical SAT score around 1040. School districts prioritize safety, with security protocols and SROs in most schools. Adult education and vocational programs, such as those at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center, expand educational opportunities.

As of 2022, Elk County, PA had an employment rate of 56.5%. The leading industries include manufacturing (30.5% of jobs), healthcare and social assistance (15.4%), and retail trade (10.8%). Major occupation types are production (21.8%), office and administrative support (11.9%), and management (9.6%). Around 69.3% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 20.5 minutes. While most work within the county, approximately 29% commute to neighboring counties, notably Clearfield and McKean.

Elk County, PA, has a median home value of approximately $101,000, with 78% owner-occupied homes and 22% rentals, where the median gross rent is about $600 per month. Predominantly single-family houses populate neighborhoods such as St. Marys and Ridgway. The real estate market remains stable, with home values increasing about 5% year-over-year. Property taxes are relatively low, with a median annual payment of around $1,500. Elk County offers a mix of rural and small-town living, with affordable housing options and modest property tax rates appealing to buyers and renters alike.

As of 2023, Elk County, PA, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. The violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, significantly below Pennsylvania’s average of 3.9. Property crime rates are around 7.3 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the Elk County Sheriff's Office and municipal police, promptly report statistics to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Overall, Elk County is considered a safe community with crime rates consistently declining by about 6% over the past five years.