Schuylkill County Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of the 2020 Census, Schuylkill County, PA has a population of 143,049. The median age is 45.4 years. The gender split is approximately 49.1% male and 50.9% female. Racially, the county is 92.6% White, 3.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 2.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The population has gradually decreased since 2010.

Schuylkill County, PA, has around 89,000 registered voters as of 2023, predominantly Republican (about 59%), with Democrats at 31% and others 10%. The county holds primary, general, and municipal elections, administered by the Board of Elections. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, the GOP candidate won by a 40% margin. There are 125 polling places countywide. Key issues include economic development and opioids. Elections are managed at the courthouse in Pottsville, with ballots reviewed and certified by bipartisan staff. Both major parties are active, with frequent get-out-the-vote drives and campaign events across the county.

Schuylkill County, PA, has approximately 22 public high schools and over 40 schools in total. About 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 16% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The county features vocational programs, adult education centers, and dual-enrollment options. School safety varies, with most districts reporting favorable safety measures. Average public school rankings often fall in the middle range, with GreatSchools ratings commonly between 4 and 7 out of 10. Educational opportunities focus on career readiness, STEM, and trade skills.

As of 2023, Schuylkill County, PA, has an employment rate of approximately 56.2%. Key industries include health care and social assistance (22.3%), manufacturing (15.7%), and retail trade (12.1%). Major occupations are in office/administrative support (13.5%), production (12.2%), and sales (11.7%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 26 minutes; nearly 34% work outside the county, primarily in Lehigh and Luzerne Counties. The county’s labor force totals around 57,000 people.

Schuylkill County, PA has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value of $110,000 as of 2023. Median rent is approximately $850 per month. The housing market remains stable, with gradual value increases of 2-3% annually. Housing types largely comprise single-family homes, especially in towns like Pottsville, Tamaqua, and Schuylkill Haven, alongside some multi-family units. Property tax rates average 1.38% of a home's assessed value. Neighborhoods offer a mix of historic and modern housing, with affordable options attracting first-time buyers.

Schuylkill County, PA, has a crime rate of approximately 15.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, with property crimes—like theft and burglary—making up about 83% of reports, while violent crimes account for 17%. In 2023, about 2,170 crimes were reported, with Pottsville recording the highest local rates. The county’s crime rate is lower than the national average, and local law enforcement actively encourages public reporting through online and anonymous tip programs to improve safety. Overall, Schuylkill remains relatively safe compared to urban counties in Pennsylvania.