Lackawanna County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of the 2020 Census, Lackawanna County, PA had a population of 215,896. The median age was 43.7 years. Females made up 51.6% of residents, while males comprised 48.4%. Racially, the county was 87.4% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.3% two or more races. The county’s Hispanic population has grown notably over recent years.

Lackawanna County, PA, has over 143,000 registered voters as of 2024, with Democrats comprising about 55%, Republicans 34%, and others 11%. The county holds primaries, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, turnout was 72%, with Biden receiving 54% and Trump 45%. There are around 163 polling locations. Key issues include property taxes and economic development. Elections are administered by the Lackawanna County Bureau of Elections. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with growing independent registration. Recent years have seen competitive races and close results, particularly in municipal and county-level contests.

Lackawanna County, PA has 12 public high schools and several private schools, with a public high school graduation rate of 91%. Around 30% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county has two major higher education institutions—Lackawanna College and the University of Scranton. Adult education programs are available through local community colleges. Average SAT scores for high school students hover around 1080. School safety initiatives include resource officers and mental health support, while educational programs emphasize STEM and career-technical education.

As of 2022, Lackawanna County, PA, had an employment rate of approximately 59%. The largest employment sectors are Health Care & Social Assistance (18%), Retail Trade (12%), and Educational Services (11%). Major occupation types include Office & Administrative Support (14%) and Sales (10%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Key employment hubs include Scranton and nearby Wilkes-Barre, attracting 34% of daily commuters within the county and 12% from neighboring Luzerne County.

Lackawanna County, PA, has a homeownership rate of roughly 67% and a median home value of about $167,000 as of 2023. Median rent is around $1,050 monthly. Housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and apartments, with Scranton, Clarks Summit, and Old Forge as notable neighborhoods. The property market has seen modest annual growth near 5%. Property taxes average 1.5% of assessed value, with median annual property tax bills near $2,200. The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living options.

Lackawanna County, PA experiences moderate crime rates compared to national averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 data, the county’s violent crime rate is approximately 2.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is around 12.4 per 1,000. The city of Scranton reports higher incidents than other local areas. Law enforcement agencies use regular crime reporting and community programs to address safety concerns. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities, aiding police efforts. Overall, crime in Lackawanna County remains lower than many urban areas, and proactive policing continues to keep rates stable.