Luzerne County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of 2022, Luzerne County, PA, had a population of approximately 323,000. The median age is 43.1 years, with 51% female and 49% male residents. The racial and ethnic composition is 83.7% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 11.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county has seen gradual diversification, largely driven by a growing Hispanic community.

Luzerne County, PA, has over 206,000 registered voters (as of 2024), with Democrats (46%), Republicans (40%), and others (14%). Elections include primaries, generals, and special elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, Luzerne County voted 56% for Trump and 43% for Biden. There are more than 180 polling locations across 76 municipalities. Recent issues include ballot shortages and election machine concerns. The county’s Bureau of Elections administers elections, overseen by a bipartisan Board of Elections. Major parties—Democratic and Republican—compete actively, reflecting Luzerne’s status as a key swing county in Pennsylvania.

Luzerne County, PA, is home to 11 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 89%. About 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The county offers adult education through institutions like Luzerne County Community College. Average public school scores hover near 6/10 per GreatSchools. School safety measures include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational programs range from Advanced Placement to STEM initiatives, supporting diverse student interests and needs.

As of early 2024, Luzerne County, PA, has an employment rate of approximately 59%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (15%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (12%). Leading occupations are in office and administrative support (14%) and sales (10%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. Significant employment centers are Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton; over 80% work within the county. Remote work accounts for about 10% of employment.

Luzerne County, PA, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $165,000 as of late 2023. Median rent is approximately $1,000/month. The housing market has seen values rise about 10% year-over-year, fueled by demand for single-family homes, which are the predominant housing type, alongside some apartments and townhouses. Popular neighborhoods include Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and Kingston. Property taxes average 1.75% of assessed value, with the median annual bill near $2,000. The area offers a mix of affordable options in both urban and suburban settings.

Luzerne County, PA, has seen fluctuating crime rates in recent years. In 2022, the overall crime rate was about 1,800 incidents per 100,000 residents, lower than the national average of 2,350. Property crimes made up 78%, while violent crimes accounted for 22%. The county recorded 16 homicides, 220 robberies, and 1,160 thefts. Crime reports are collected by local police and submitted to the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System, ensuring transparent data. Overall, Luzerne County remains relatively safe, with increased community policing efforts contributing to a continued decline in serious offenses.