About Forest County
Forest County, Pennsylvania, is the least populous county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, offering a unique blend of rural wilderness and small-town charm. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Forest County was formed in 1848 from parts of Jefferson and Venango counties, making it one of the state's newer counties. Forest County Seat is Tionesta, a small county situated along the Allegheny River. Forest County includes approximately 428 square miles and maintains a population of around 7,000 residents, making it Pennsylvania's most sparsely populated county.
- Forest County Courthouse, houses the County Commissioner's Office, Prothonotary, Register of Deeds, and Clerk of Courts.
- The Register and Recorder's Office maintains land records at the courthouse.
The Allegheny National Forest covers a substantial portion of Forest County, providing extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. Forest County is named for its dense Tionesta area coverage, which remains its defining characteristic. Major landmarks include the Tionesta Lake and Dam, Hearts Content Scenic Area featuring old-growth Forest, and the historic Forest County Courthouse completed in 1858.
Forest County Assessment Office is also located within the courthouse complex. Forest County's economy has historically centered on timber, oil and gas extraction, and outdoor recreation. Forest County's geographic isolation and commitment to preserving its natural heritage make it a destination If you need an authentic wilderness experience in Pennsylvania.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Forest County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Forest County. It provides patrol services to unincorporated areas, manages Forest County jail, and processes arrests. The office is also tasked with serving legal documents and maintaining criminal records. The office also collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to address crime and enhance security across Forest County.
Police Departments
In addition to Forest County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Forest County is supported by the Tionesta County Police Department. These agencies work together to provide full policing services across Forest County. Coordination between these agencies ensures efficient response to major crimes and emergencies, enhancing public safety throughout Forest County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Forest County, Pennsylvania, is primarily provided by Forest County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Forest County Courthouse, Tionesta, PA 16353. Forest County does not maintain a large jail facility; inmates requiring longer-term detention are typically housed at regional correctional facilities through agreements with neighboring counties.
- Requests for arrest records should be directed to the arresting agency, either the Sheriff's Office, local police departments, or Pennsylvania State Police.
- Mugshot and booking photos may be available through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office, though Forest County does not maintain an online inmate search or mugshot database.
- Written requests under the Right-to-Know Law should be submitted to the agency's open records officer, and responses are required within five business days.
For inmate information, citizens should contact the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. Municipal police departments serve the boroughs within Forest County, including the Tionesta County Police and Marienville County Police, though these are small departments with limited staffing. The Pennsylvania State Police Marienville Barracks at 102 Park Street, Marienville, PA 16239 (phone: 814-927-6835) provides significant law enforcement coverage throughout Forest County and handles most major investigations.
Arrest records in Forest County are public records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Forest 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.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Forest County are maintained by Forest County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records provide crucial information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and court dates. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Forest County Jail, located in Tionesta, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Forest County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available for family members and legal representatives to find information about individuals currently held at the facility. Visitation rules are specific to the jail, 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.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Forest County are taken and retained by Forest County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online through official channels, others might require a formal request. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
Forest County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction serving Forest County, located at Forest County Courthouse, Tionesta, PA 16353 The Court of Common Pleas hears civil cases, criminal matters, family law cases including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. Forest County also falls within Forest County of Magisterial District Court 18-3-02, which handles preliminary hearings in criminal cases, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $12,000, and traffic violations. The Magisterial District Judge office is, Tionesta, PA 16353
- The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal provides online access to dockets through the Public Access Policy Implementation Committee (PAPIC) system at ujsportal.pacourts.us.
- Docket sheets are available free of charge, though certified copies require payment of statutory fees, typically $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Forest County, Pennsylvania, are maintained by Forest County Register and Recorder of Deeds Office, located in Forest County Courthouse, Tionesta, PA 16353 The Register and Recorder's Office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way documents, oil and gas leases (particularly important in Forest County), and UCC financing statements. These records are public under Pennsylvania law and available for inspection during office hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Forest County does not currently offer a free online database for searching recorded documents, though some commercial title companies and subscription services provide access.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Recording fees are established by Pennsylvania statute at 62 P.S.
In-person searches can be conducted using grantor/grantee indexes and parcel number references. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Forest County Assessment Office, also located at the courthouse The Assessment Office maintains property valuations, assessment cards, ownership information, and tax parcel maps.
Forest County Tax Claim Bureau, phone, handles delinquent property tax issues and upset tax sales. While Forest County has limited online GIS mapping capabilities compared to larger Pennsylvania counties, parcel information can be researched through the Assessment Office. § 1012, and all documents must comply with Pennsylvania recording standards including legible text, proper margins, and acknowledgments.
Vital Records
Vital records for Forest County, Pennsylvania, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both Forest County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Forest County can be requested through Forest County Register of Deeds Office at Forest County Courthouse, Tionesta, PA 16353 Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates are $20.00 for the first copy.
- Processing time at Forest County level is typically 5-10 business days.
- The marriage license fee is $30.00, and couples must apply in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
- Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, phone 1-844-228-3516, provides certified copies by mail or online through VitalChek at health.pa.gov.
- Online orders through VitalChek include additional processing fees but offer expedited service.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest as required by Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law of 1953, 35 P.S. § 450.101 et seq. Birth certificates are restricted to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives.
Marriage licenses are issued by Forest County Clerk of Orphans' Court at the courthouse Pennsylvania eliminated the three-day waiting period for marriage licenses in 2004. Divorce decrees are filed with Forest County Prothonotary's Office.
For certified copies of vital records statewide or when county offices are unavailable, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Forest County, Pennsylvania, are available through multiple offices depending on the type of record sought. For local business registrations, Forest County Prothonotary's Office at Forest County Courthouse, Tionesta, PA 16353, phone, maintains fictitious name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations required under Pennsylvania's Fictitious Names Act, 54 Pa.C.S. § 301 et seq. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Prothonotary, with fees typically around $70.00 for a five-year registration.
- Sales tax licenses and employer withholding accounts are registered through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
For full business entity searches including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations maintains the official database at https://www.corporations.pa.gov/search/corpsearch. This free online system allows searches by entity name, number, or officer information. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, accessible at www.dos.pa.gov/license.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land development applications in Forest County are handled by Forest County Planning Commission and local municipal authorities, as Forest County has township-level zoning rather than full county zoning. Forest County Chamber of Commerce, based in Tionesta, promotes local economic development and can be reached through community organizations. Business owners should also check with individual boroughs and townships for local business privilege taxes or specific licensing requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Forest County, Pennsylvania, are administered by Forest County Bureau of Elections, located at Forest County Courthouse, Tionesta, PA 16353. The Voter Registration Office can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration is available to U.S. Citizens who are residents of Forest County and at least 18 years old by the next election. Pennsylvania offers online voter registration through the Pennsylvania Department of State at register.vote.pa.gov, where eligible residents can register or update their registration using their Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT identification card.
- Election records that are public in Pennsylvania include registered voter lists (available for purchase for political purposes under 25 P.S.
- In the 2024 general election, Forest County experienced voter turnout of approximately 65-70 percent of registered voters, consistent with rural Pennsylvania participation rates.
- § 2600 et seq, and the Right-to-Know Law, allowing citizens to request election materials, review poll books, and observe pre-canvassing and canvassing of ballots under established procedures.
The voter registration deadline in Pennsylvania is 15 days before any election. Mail-in registration applications must be postmarked by this deadline. Forest County voters can find their polling place by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of State voter services portal at vote.pa.gov or by contacting the Bureau of Elections directly.
Forest County operates several polling locations across its boroughs and townships, with assignments based on residential address. § 2625), campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State, candidate nominating petitions, and precinct-level election results. Forest County Board of Elections certifies results and maintains election archives.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, Pennsylvania statewide offices, and General Assembly seats. Pennsylvania Act 77 of 2019 established no-excuse mail-in voting; Forest County voters can request mail-in or absentee ballots through the Pennsylvania Department of State's online portal at vote.pa.gov/MailBallot or by submitting a paper application to Forest County Bureau of Elections.
Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Election transparency in Forest County is governed by the Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S.
Economy & Demographics
Forest County, Pennsylvania, maintains a rural economy strongly influenced by natural resource extraction, forestry, outdoor recreation, and government employment. As Pennsylvania's least populous county with approximately 7,000 residents, the economy is necessarily small-scale but benefits from Forest County's natural assets. The Allegheny National Forest, which covers more than 500,000 acres across Forest and neighboring counties, is a significant economic driver through U.S. Forest County Service employment, timber sales, and recreation-based businesses.
- The median household income in Forest County is approximately $45,000-$48,000, below the Pennsylvania state average of around $70,000, reflecting the rural character and limited employment base.
Timber harvesting, sawmills, and wood products manufacturing have historically formed the economic backbone, though this sector has declined from its peak. Oil and gas extraction remains economically important, with conventional wells and more recently Marcellus Shale natural gas development providing royalty income to landowners and tax revenue to local governments. Major employers include Forest County government and school district, healthcare facilities, retail establishments in Tionesta and Marienville, and hospitality businesses serving tourists.
Cook Forest State Park in neighboring Clarion County and the extensive Allegheny National Forest County lands drive significant tourism and outdoor recreation spending, supporting campgrounds, outfitters, restaurants, and lodging. Unemployment rates in Forest County typically run slightly above state averages due to seasonal employment patterns. Forest County faces ongoing challenges including population decline, aging demographics, limited broadband infrastructure, and distance from major metropolitan markets.
Economic development efforts focus on promoting sustainable forestry, expanding outdoor recreation infrastructure, attracting remote workers, and supporting small business entrepreneurship.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (PA Unified Portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person Only | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/State Online | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Voter Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Forest County provides access to most public records, though limited county-level online systems require in-person visits or state-level portals for many services.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Forest County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Forest County, Pennsylvania.