About Cameron County
Cameron County is located in north-central Pennsylvania and is recognized as one of the least populous counties in the Commonwealth. Established on March 29, 1860, from parts of Clinton, Elk, McKean, and Potter counties, it was named after Simon Cameron, a U.S. Senator and Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln. Cameron County Seat is Emporium, situated along the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek. Cameron County includes approximately 397 square miles of heavily forested terrain within the Allegheny Plateau region.
The 2020 Census recorded a population of approximately 4,547 residents, making it the second-least populous county in Pennsylvania. Cameron County is renowned for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including elk viewing in the Elk State Forest, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. Major landmarks include the Bucktail State Park Natural Area, which follows Route 120 along the Sinnemahoning Creek valley, commemorating the Civil War regiment known as the Bucktails.
Cameron County Courthouse, located at 20 East Fifth Street in Emporium, houses most county offices including the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts, and the Assessment Office. Cameron County's economy has historically centered on timber, tanning, and natural resource extraction, though tourism and outdoor recreation now play increasingly significant roles.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cameron County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Cameron County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees Cameron County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides court security and serves legal documents. The office engages in community outreach programs to enhance public safety and foster community relations. The Sheriff's Office is a key player in coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and safety issues in Cameron County.
Police Departments
Cameron County is served by Cameron County Sheriff's Office and the Emporium County Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas and provides county-wide law enforcement services. The Emporium County Police Department focuses on maintaining public safety within the county limits of Emporium. Both agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively address crime and ensure public safety. Their coordinated efforts are crucial in managing law enforcement challenges across Cameron County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Cameron County is primarily provided by Cameron County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Cameron County Courthouse, 20 East Fifth Street, Emporium, PA 15834. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for civil process service, court security, warrant execution, and patrol duties throughout Cameron County's unincorporated areas. Cameron County operates a small detention facility for temporary holding, though inmates requiring extended incarceration are typically housed in neighboring county facilities under contractual agreements.
- The Pennsylvania State Police Troop F, Emporium Station, located at 1767 North Broad Street Extension, Emporium, provides supplemental coverage and investigative services throughout Cameron County.
- Requests for arrest records should be submitted in writing to the agency that made the arrest, either the Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or State Police.
- Mugshots and booking photographs may be available through direct requests to the arresting agency, though policies vary.
- Processing fees typically apply for copies of reports and records.
- Pennsylvania law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days, with possible extensions for complex requests.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cameron County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Cameron County Sheriff's Office and the Emporium County Police Department maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Background checks can be conducted through the Pennsylvania State Police, which provides full criminal history reports. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cameron County are maintained by Cameron County Sheriff's Office. These records detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the procedures outlined by the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Arrest records typically include personal information, arrest details, and any subsequent legal actions.
Jail & Inmate Records
Cameron County Jail, located in Emporium, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Cameron County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through Cameron County's official website, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions while awaiting trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
In Cameron County, mugshots are taken and retained by Cameron County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. Mugshots are often included in arrest records and can be requested by the public under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Pennsylvania does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so individuals seeking removal must pursue legal avenues or request corrections if inaccuracies are present.
Courts & Case Records
Cameron County's judicial system operates under the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. The Court of Common Pleas of Cameron County, located at Cameron County Courthouse, 20 East Fifth Street, Emporium, PA 15834, telephone, is the trial court of general jurisdiction hearing civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. Cameron County falls within the 46th Judicial District. Magisterial District Court 46-3-01, also located in Emporium, handles preliminary hearings, summary offenses, traffic violations, landlord-tenant matters, and civil claims up to $12,000.
- The Register of Wills office, also located at the Courthouse (814-486-9267), handles probate matters, estate administration, and guardianship proceedings.
- All offices accept in-person requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
The Magisterial District Judge's office can be reached for Cameron County court records, including civil dockets, criminal dockets, and judgment indexes, are accessible through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides free public access to most case information. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office at the Courthouse maintains official court records and can provide certified copies for a fee of $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee. Pennsylvania's public access policy, implemented under Rule 4002 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, governs access to court records, balancing public access with privacy concerns.
Certain records, including adoption files, juvenile records, and some sealed documents, have restricted access.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Cameron County are maintained by Cameron County Recorder of Deeds, located at Cameron County Courthouse, 20 East Fifth Street, Emporium, PA 15834, telephone. The Recorder's office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plans, and other instruments affecting real property ownership since Cameron County's formation in 1860. These records are public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law and common law principles governing property records.
- Copies of recorded documents are available for $2.00 per page, with a $5.00 certification fee for certified copies.
- Recording fees for new documents are $59.50 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus applicable transfer taxes.
The office maintains indexed records searchable by grantor, grantee, and property location. Property tax assessment records are maintained by Cameron County Assessment Office at the same courthouse location, telephone. The Assessment Office maintains parcel data, property valuations, ownership information, and tax maps.
While Cameron County does not currently offer a full online property search portal, basic property information may be obtained by contacting the Assessment Office directly or visiting in person during business hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Cameron County Tax Claim Bureau, telephone, handles delinquent tax issues and upset tax sales. Researchers seeking historical property records should note that older documents may require manual searching of bound volumes and indices maintained at the Recorder's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cameron County, Pennsylvania, are maintained at both Cameron County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring within Cameron County are recorded with Cameron County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court, located at 20 East Fifth Street, Emporium, PA 15834, telephone. However, Pennsylvania law centralizes vital records access primarily through the Division of Vital Records, Pennsylvania Department of Health, 101 South Mercer Street, Room 401, New Castle, PA 16103.
- Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $9.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at pa.gov/agencies/health, with additional processing fees.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and certain others with documented legal need.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest under 35 Pa. Code § 1.1 et seq, which governs vital records access in Pennsylvania. Marriage licenses are issued by Cameron County Clerk of Orphans' Court at the Courthouse, with both parties required to appear in person with identification and Social Security numbers.
The marriage license fee is $35.00, with a three-day waiting period. Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's office at Cameron County Courthouse and may be accessed through court record procedures. Birth records less than 105 years old and death records less than 50 years old have access restrictions under Pennsylvania law.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Cameron County operates through both county and state mechanisms. Local business licenses and permits for operations within Cameron County municipalities are typically handled at the municipal level, with the Emporium County Office at 519 Woodland Avenue, Emporium, PA 15834, telephone, administering permits within the county limits.
- The Pennsylvania business entity database is searchable online at file.dos.pa.gov, providing free access to corporate registrations, fictitious name filings, officer information, and entity status.
Fictitious name registrations (DBAs) and assumed name certificates are filed with Cameron County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts at the Courthouse, 20 East Fifth Street, Emporium, telephone, with a filing fee of approximately $70.00. All corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities operating in Pennsylvania must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Professional licenses (medical, legal, cosmetology, contracting, etc.) are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, searchable at pals.pa.gov.
Sales tax licenses are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in Cameron County are handled by Cameron County Planning and Development Office and individual municipal zoning officers. Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, while not maintaining official business records, provides business support and networking; information is available through regional economic development organizations serving the north-central Pennsylvania region.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cameron County are administered by Cameron County Bureau of Elections, operating under Cameron County Board of Elections, located at Cameron County Courthouse, 20 East Fifth Street, Emporium, PA 15834, telephone. Voter registration in Cameron County and throughout Pennsylvania is available online at register.votespa.com, by mail using the Pennsylvania Voter Registration Application, or in person at the County Elections Office. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots at vote.pa.gov or by contacting the Elections Office directly.
- § 2600 et seq.) and Right-to-Know Law, allowing citizens to request campaign finance filings, election results data, and administrative records.
Pennsylvania offers same-day registration only for people at driver's license centers who are obtaining or updating their license. Cameron County typically operates 8-10 polling places across its four boroughs (Emporium, Driftwood, Lumber City, and Shippen) and five townships (Shippen, Gibson, Grove, Lumber, and Portage). Election records considered public in Pennsylvania include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under Act 77), candidate nomination petitions, campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State, and precinct-level election results.
Cameron County's voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 72-75%, consistent with high-turnout presidential elections in rural Pennsylvania counties. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, Pennsylvania Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative races, and various county offices. Pennsylvania's Act 77 of 2019 established no-excuse mail-in voting; any registered voter may request a mail-in or absentee ballot through Cameron County Elections Office, online at vote.pa.gov, or by submitting a written application. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Transparency in Cameron County elections is governed by Pennsylvania Election Code (25 P.S. The Elections Office maintains historical election results and can provide certified election results for official purposes.
Economy & Demographics
Cameron County's economy has evolved from its historical foundations in timber harvesting, leather tanning, and natural resource extraction to a more diversified base emphasizing manufacturing, forest products, outdoor recreation, and tourism. Cameron County's largest employer is Keystone Powdered Metal Company in Emporium, a precision metal parts manufacturer employing several hundred workers and representing the advanced manufacturing sector that has replaced some traditional industries. Sylvania, now part of LEDVANCE, historically maintained a significant presence in Emporium.
- Median household income in Cameron County is estimated at approximately $45,000-$50,000, below the Pennsylvania state median, reflecting Cameron County's rural character and limited population base.
The forest products industry remains important, with logging, sawmills, and wood product manufacturing providing employment throughout Cameron County's heavily forested scene—approximately 85% of Cameron County is forested. The unemployment rate typically ranges from 5-7%, varying seasonally with outdoor recreation activities. Tourism and outdoor recreation constitute a growing economic sector, with hunting, fishing, elk viewing, snowmobiling, and trail activities attracting visitors to the Elk State Forest, Bucktail State Park Natural Area, and Sinnemahoning State Park.
Natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale formation has provided some economic activity, though Cameron County has seen less intensive drilling than neighboring counties. The Pennsylvania Wilds tourism initiative has supported heritage tourism and conservation-based economic development. Small businesses, retail establishments serving the local population, and healthcare services provided by Penn Highlands DuBois and other regional health systems contribute to the employment base.
Economic challenges include population decline, limited broadband infrastructure in some areas, and the constraints of mountainous terrain on development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via PA Portal | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Mail | Business: Yes: State Database Online | Elections: Yes: State Portal + County Office | Overall Score: 6/10 — Cameron County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and telephone requests due to limited local online infrastructure, though state-level portals fill some gaps.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Cameron County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Cameron County, Pennsylvania.