Jefferson County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of the 2020 Census, Jefferson County, PA had a population of 43,641. The median age was approximately 45 years, reflecting an aging population. About 49% were male and 51% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (95.5%), with small percentages of Black or African American (2%), Asian (0.4%), and those of Hispanic or Latino origin (0.8%). The county’s demographic profile highlights limited racial diversity and a slightly higher proportion of older residents.

Jefferson County, PA, had 28,779 registered voters as of November 2023: 19,022 Republicans, 6,012 Democrats, and 3,745 others. Elections include primary, general, and municipal, with 2022 turnout at 57%. Key polling locations include Brookville Borough Complex and Punxsutawney Area Community Center. Recent issues involve school funding and broadband access. The county typically votes Republican, such as in 2020 when Trump received 76% of presidential votes. The Board of Elections, part of the County Administration, oversees logistics and compliance, ensuring secure and accessible voting for all parties and independents.

Jefferson County, PA has 4 public high schools and several elementary/middle schools, serving about 2,500 K-12 students. The county's high school graduation rate is approximately 90%, but only about 15% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School districts like DuBois and Brookville score around the state average on standardized tests. Adult education is available through vocational and technical centers. School safety measures, including secure entrances and drills, are implemented across schools. Educational programs include AP courses, agricultural science, and dual enrollment options with local colleges.

As of 2022, Jefferson County, PA, had an employment rate of approximately 54.6%. Leading industries include health care and social assistance (22%), manufacturing (14%), and retail trade (12%). Occupations are primarily in production (17%), sales/office (21%), and service roles (20%). Around 82% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 22 minutes; about 76% work within the county, while 24% commute to neighboring counties such as Clearfield and Indiana.

Jefferson County, PA has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $120,000 as of 2023. Rentals comprise about 25% of housing, with average rents near $775/month. The housing market is stable, showing modest annual appreciation of 3-4%. Most homes are single-family houses, though some duplexes and small apartment complexes exist. Notable neighborhoods include Brookville, Punxsutawney, and Reynoldsville. Property taxes average 1.5% of assessed value, resulting in typical annual taxes of $1,800. The area's affordable housing and small-town feel attract both families and retirees.

Jefferson County, PA, reports relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. According to the most recent FBI data, the county’s property crime rate is around 9.2 per 1,000 residents, while violent crime stands at 1.3 per 1,000. Annual incidents include approximately 120 property crimes and 17 violent crimes. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and encourages public crime reporting via the county’s online system and Crime Stoppers, supporting transparency and safety. Overall, Jefferson County is considered safer than 76% of U.S. counties.