Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Mifflin County, PA, had a population of 46,143. The median age was 43.9 years, with 20.4% under 18 and 21.4% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. The racial makeup was 94.8% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Elections

Mifflin County, PA, had 28,453 registered voters for the 2023 general election: 59% Republican, 27% Democrat, and 14% other parties or unaffiliated. The county participates in municipal, primary, and general elections; in 2022, 71% of votes went to Republican statewide candidates. There are 23 polling locations across 16 municipalities, administered by the Mifflin County Elections Office. Key issues recently include property taxes and school funding. The Board of Elections, with representation from both major parties, oversees the process, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania election laws and regulations.

Education, Employment and Housing

Mifflin County, PA, has approximately 11 public schools, including Mifflin County High School. Around 86.6% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 14.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety metrics are average, with an overall school rating of 5/10 according to GreatSchools. The county offers career and technical education programs, as well as some adult education initiatives. Graduation rates are about 85%. Advanced courses and AP classes are available at the high school level, supporting diverse educational paths for students.

As of 2022, Mifflin County, PA, had an employment rate of approximately 55.6%. The largest industries are manufacturing (22.5%), health care & social assistance (16.6%), and retail trade (12.9%). Most workers are employed in production, transportation, and material moving (22.3%), followed by sales and office occupations (19.2%). About 81% of residents commute by car, with a median travel time of 23 minutes, primarily to local employers or nearby counties such as Centre and Huntingdon. About 30% of employed residents work outside Mifflin County.

Mifflin County, PA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values near $135,000 as of 2024. Median gross rent is approximately $700 monthly. The housing market shows modest growth, with property values rising around 2% annually. Most homes are single-family detached, with some townhomes and apartments. Popular neighborhoods include Lewistown and Burnham. Property tax rates average 1.3% of a home’s value, resulting in a typical annual tax bill of around $1,760. The mix of affordable prices and stable market trends appeal to both homeowners and renters.

County Crime & Safety

Mifflin County, PA, experiences relatively moderate crime rates compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 275 property crimes (burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft) and about 32 violent crimes (including assault and robbery), according to Pennsylvania State Police data. The overall crime rate stands near 15 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average. Local law enforcement encourages community reporting, and public safety initiatives have helped maintain stable crime statistics over recent years, contributing to residents’ sense of security.