About Armstrong County
Armstrong County is located in west-central Pennsylvania, approximately 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Established in 1800 from parts of Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Lycoming counties, it was named after John Armstrong, a Revolutionary War general. Armstrong County Seat is Kittanning, situated along the Allegheny River. Armstrong County includes approximately 664 square miles and has a population of around 65,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Armstrong County is characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and rural communities interspersed with small boroughs and townships.
Major landmarks include the historic Kittanning Courthouse, built in 1860, Brady's Bend overlook along the Allegheny River, and Crooked Creek Lake, a popular recreational area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Armstrong County's history is deeply rooted in coal mining, agriculture, and river commerce.
Armstrong County Courthouse at 500 Market Street, Kittanning, houses several key offices including the Recorder of Deeds, Prothonotary, and County Clerk. Armstrong County Assessment Office, responsible for property valuations, operates from the County Government Center at 450 East Market Street, Kittanning. What makes Armstrong County unique is its blend of preserved 19th-century architecture, outdoor recreation opportunities along the Allegheny River Water Trail, and close-knit rural communities that maintain strong historical ties to Western Pennsylvania's industrial heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Armstrong County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Armstrong County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, executing warrants, and serving legal documents. The office also runs various community programs focused on crime prevention and public safety education, which are tailored to the needs of Armstrong County residents.
Police Departments
Armstrong County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Armstrong County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Kittanning Police Department, Ford City Police Department, and Leechburg Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective county, handling local law enforcement duties and collaborating with the sheriff's office on major crimes. These agencies work together to ensure full coverage and effective response to incidents across Armstrong County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Armstrong County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Armstrong County Courthouse, 500 Market Street, Kittanning, PA 16201, provides law enforcement services including court security, warrant service, and operation of Armstrong County Jail. Inmate information for Armstrong County Jail is available by calling the facility directly at or visiting the courthouse in person during business hours.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail facility, though online booking photo databases are not currently maintained by Armstrong County.
- Written requests under the Right-to-Know Law should be directed to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports, typically ranging from $0.25 to $1.00 per page.
- Criminal history records can also be obtained through the Pennsylvania State Police's Central Repository at a cost of $10 per name-based background check.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Armstrong County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Pennsylvania State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police offers additional resources for Armstrong County residents seeking full criminal background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Armstrong County are maintained by Armstrong County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a fee. An arrest record in Armstrong County typically includes the individual's personal details, the charges filed, and the arresting agency. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Armstrong County Jail, located in Kittanning, is the primary detention facility for Armstrong County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through Armstrong County's official website, allowing the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with strict guidelines on what visitors can bring.
- The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state law, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Armstrong County are taken and retained by Armstrong County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by request. While Pennsylvania does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete profile of an individual's interactions with law enforcement.
Courts & Case Records
Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction, located at Armstrong County Courthouse, 500 Market Street, Kittanning, PA 16201 This court handles civil cases exceeding $12,000, criminal felonies and misdemeanors, family law matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from Magisterial District Courts.
- Court records are accessible through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides docket sheets for both criminal and civil cases.
- Certified copies cost $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
Armstrong County has two Magisterial District Courts that handle preliminary hearings, summary offenses, traffic violations, landlord-tenant matters, and civil cases under $12,000: District Court 33-3-01 at 901 Water Street, Kittanning, and District Court 33-3-02 at 1004 4th Avenue, Ford City. Armstrong County Orphans' Court division handles estates, wills, guardianships, and adoptions. In-person searches are available at the Prothonotary's Office (civil cases) at and the Clerk of Courts Office (criminal cases) for Under Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 507, most court records are public unless sealed by court order.
Online access through the UJS portal is free for basic docket information, though detailed documents may require an in-person visit. Pennsylvania's public access policy ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information in certain family court and juvenile matters.
Property & Public Records
Armstrong Recorder of Deeds of Deeds Office, located at 500 Market Street, Suite 106, Kittanning, PA 16201, maintains all land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-ways, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The office can be reached at and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Recording fees are established by Pennsylvania statute: deeds are $59.50 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, plus additional transfer tax.
- The Recorder's Office provides an online search system through Laredo, accessible at armstrongcountypa.us, allowing the public to search and view recorded documents free of charge.
- Certified copies are available for $6.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
- An online GIS property viewer is available through Armstrong County website, providing parcel boundaries, assessment data, sales history, and aerial photography at no cost.
- Armstrong County accepts record requests in person, by mail, or through Armstrong County's Right-to-Know request portal.
Vital Records
Vital records in Armstrong County follow Pennsylvania's statutory framework under 23 Pa.C.S. § 101 et seq. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Armstrong County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, and locally by Armstrong County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court Clerk at 500 Market Street, Kittanning, PA 16201 Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement.
- Death certificates also cost $20 for the first certified copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are available locally; mail requests take 2-4 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is $50, and there is a three-day waiting period before the ceremony.
- Online ordering incurs additional processing fees.
Marriage licenses are issued by Armstrong County Clerk of Orphans' Court at the courthouse, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office for vital records older than local retention periods or when local offices cannot locate records, the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records in New Castle processes requests by mail and online through VitalChek.com. Genealogical researchers can access historical vital records through the Pennsylvania State Archives for records over 105 years old (births) and 50 years old (deaths).
Business & Licensing
Business records in Armstrong County are managed at multiple levels. Armstrong County Prothonotary's Office at 500 Market Street, Kittanning, PA 16201, phone, handles fictitious name registrations (DBAs) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name, with a filing fee of $70 for five years. The Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, maintains the full business entity database for all corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations formed in Pennsylvania.
- This searchable database is available free at patreasury.gov/corps through the Corporation Search portal, providing entity status, filing history, registered agent information, and annual reports.
- Armstrong County Planning and Development Department at provides information on zoning, land use, and commercial development.
- Building permits are typically handled at the municipal level, though Armstrong County's Code Enforcement Office provides oversight for certain construction activities.
Local business licenses and permits for specific activities are issued by individual municipalities within Armstrong County, with requirements varying by county and township. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and health professionals are regulated by Pennsylvania licensing boards under the Department of State. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Armstrong County Chamber of Commerce, located in Kittanning, provides resources for business development and networking; their website armstrongchamber.com offers directories of local businesses and economic development information.
Elections & Voter Records
Armstrong County Bureau of Elections, located at 450 East Market Street, Suite 1, Kittanning, PA 16201, administers all federal, state, and local elections. The office can be reached at and maintains information at armstrongcountypa.gov. Voter registration in Pennsylvania requires completion of an application at least 15 days before an election. Citizens can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State at register.votespa.com, which links to the statewide Voter Registration system.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place through the Pennsylvania Voter Services portal at pavoterservices.pa.gov by entering their name and date of birth.
- Citizens may observe ballot counting and request election related records under the Right-to-Know Law, promoting electoral integrity and public confidence.
Registration forms are also available at the Bureau of Elections, PennDOT driver's license centers, and various public agencies. Armstrong County has approximately 45 polling locations across its 56 municipalities. Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase under 25 P.S.
§ 2621), campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State, candidate nominating petitions, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Armstrong County voter turnout was approximately 68%, consistent with Pennsylvania's tradition of strong participation in presidential elections. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
Senate and House races, Pennsylvania Governor (if applicable to cycle), state legislature seats, and various county offices. Mail-in and absentee ballots are available to all Pennsylvania voters under Act 77; applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before Election Day. Applications can be submitted online through pavoterservices.pa.gov or by paper form to the Bureau of Elections.
Completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Pennsylvania law (25 P.S. § 2602) ensures transparency by making election records public, including poll books, ballot reconciliation reports, and official returns.
Economy & Demographics
Armstrong County's economy historically centered on coal mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, with significant evolution in recent decades. Major employers include Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, the Armstrong School District, Citizens Bank, and various manufacturing facilities. PPG Industries operates a major manufacturing facility in Ford City, continuing Armstrong County's industrial heritage.
The median household income in Armstrong County is approximately $53,000, below both the state and national averages, reflecting Armstrong County's rural character and economic challenges following industrial decline. Key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, educational services, and manufacturing. Agriculture remains significant, with family farms producing dairy, livestock, hay, and corn.
Armstrong County has invested in economic diversification through Armstrong County Industrial Development Council and Redevelopment Authority, which manage industrial parks and business loan programs. Tourism contributes to the local economy through outdoor recreation along the Allegheny River, including the 42-mile Allegheny River Water Trail, Roaring Run Watershed trails, and Crooked Creek Lake. The service sector has grown as traditional manufacturing jobs declined, with small businesses and entrepreneurship playing increasingly important roles.
Recent economic development initiatives focus on downtown revitalization in Kittanning and Ford City, brownfield redevelopment of former industrial sites, and attracting remote workers through quality-of-life amenities. Unemployment rates typically track slightly above state averages but have improved with regional economic recovery efforts. Natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale formation has brought some economic activity, though less intensively than in neighboring counties.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/State | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Armstrong County provides good online access to property and court records, with elections information readily available through state portals, though arrest/jail records and some vital records require in-person or phone contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Armstrong County
Explore public records for 27 cities and communities in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.