About Lackawanna County
Lackawanna County is located in northeastern Pennsylvania and is an important economic and cultural hub in the Commonwealth. Lackawanna County Seat is Scranton, Pennsylvania's sixth-largest city, located at 340 North Washington Avenue. Lackawanna County was formed in 1878 from part of Luzerne County and named after the Lackawanna River, which flows through Lackawanna County. Lackawanna County includes approximately 465 square miles and has a population of roughly 215,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
The scene is characterized by the Pocono Mountains' foothills, river valleys, and historic coal mining sites that shaped Lackawanna County's industrial heritage. Major landmarks include Steamtown National Historic Site, the Electric City Trolley Museum, the Scranton area Coal Mine Tour, and Nay Aug Park. Lackawanna County's economy has transitioned from coal mining and rail transportation to healthcare, education, and service industries.
Key government offices include Lackawanna Recorder of Deeds of Deeds at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503; the Prothonotary's Office (civil court clerk) at the same location; and Lackawanna County Assessment Office at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. Lackawanna County is served by Interstate 81, Interstate 84, and Interstate 476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension), making it a transportation crossroads. Lackawanna County is home to the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and multiple campuses of Penn State and other institutions, contributing to its educational prominence in Lackawanna County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Lackawanna County, particularly in areas not covered by municipal police departments. The office handles the service of legal documents, security of Lackawanna County courthouse, and transportation of prisoners. The office is key to maintaining criminal records and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety.
Police Departments
Lackawanna County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Scranton Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, and Old Forge Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Lackawanna County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office, located at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, serves civil process, provides courthouse security, and operates Lackawanna County Prison. Lackawanna County Prison, Scranton, PA 18508, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate information can be obtained by calling or visiting the facility during designated hours. Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.) governs public access to arrest records and related law enforcement documents.
- Arrest records and incident reports can be requested directly from the arresting agency or through Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through Lackawanna County Prison by submitting a written request citing the Right-to-Know Law.
- Processing times for records requests vary but agencies must respond within five business days under the Right-to-Know Law.
Municipal police departments throughout Lackawanna County include the Scranton Police Department (headquarters at 340 North Washington Avenue), Dunmore Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, Old Forge Police Department, Archbald Police Department, Clarks Summit Police Department, Dickson City Police Department, Moosic Police Department, Taylor Police Department, Throop Police Department, and Jessup Police Department. Pennsylvania State Police Troop R serves portions of Lackawanna County and maintains barracks in Dunmore at 85 Keyser Avenue, providing law enforcement services to townships without municipal police departments. Some arrest and booking information may be restricted if cases are under investigation or involve juveniles.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lackawanna County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Background checks in Pennsylvania can be conducted through the Pennsylvania State Police's PATCH system, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police also supports local law enforcement with investigative resources and data sharing.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lackawanna County are maintained by Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal written request. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lackawanna County Prison, located in Scranton, is the primary detention facility for Lackawanna County. It handles the booking and housing of individuals arrested within Lackawanna County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate information can be accessed through Lackawanna County's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state law, allowing for the release of inmates on bail pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lackawanna County are taken and retained by the arresting agency, typically Lackawanna County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and may be accessed through official channels. The sheriff's website may provide an online search tool for locating mugshots, although availability can vary. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Lackawanna County's court system is part of Pennsylvania's unified judicial system. The Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County, located at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court (probate) matters.
- Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System Web Portal (ujsportal.pacourts.us) provides free online access to docket sheets for both Common Pleas and Magisterial District Court cases.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the appropriate clerk's office, with fees typically $7.00 for the first two pages and $2.00 for each additional page.
The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Prothonotary's Office manages civil case records and can be contacted for The Clerk of Judicial Records handles criminal case filings and documents for The Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court manages estate and guardianship matters for Lackawanna County has multiple Magisterial District Courts handling preliminary hearings, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims under $12,000. These district courts are located throughout Lackawanna County in Scranton, Carbondale, Olyphant, and other municipalities. Users can search by party name, case number, or other criteria.
The Pennsylvania Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System governs court record access, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Some records involving juveniles, sealed cases, or protected information may have restricted access. In-person record inspections are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
Property & Public Records
Lackawanna Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, maintains all land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and related real estate documents. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Recording fees vary by document type: deeds are typically $169.50 for the first page and $6.00 for each additional page, though fees include state and county transfer taxes which vary based on property value.
- Many documents from recent decades are available as digital images viewable and printable for a fee.
- Their online GIS mapping system provides parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessment values, and tax information accessible through Lackawanna County website.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $7.00 for the first two pages plus $2.00 for each additional page.
- Title searchers and abstractors regularly use these records for real estate transactions, and the public may access records in person or request copies by mail with proper identification and payment.
The Recorder's website (lackawannacounty.org/departments/recorderofdeeds) provides access to an online document search system where users can search recorded instruments by grantor/grantee name, document type, book and page, or parcel number. Lackawanna County Assessment Office at 123 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, property characteristic data, and assessment appeals. Property tax payment records are available through Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau for Historical deed research often requires examining index books and microfilm for older transactions.
Lackawanna County's land records date back to Lackawanna County's 1878 formation, with earlier records held by Luzerne County.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lackawanna County are managed at both county and state levels under Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law (35 P.S. § 450.101 et seq.). Birth and death certificates occurring in Lackawanna County from 1893 forward can be requested from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or by calling. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost the same. Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at health.pa.gov, though convenience fees apply.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for regular service and 7-10 business days for expedited requests.
- Lackawanna County Register of Wills at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, phone, does not issue birth or death certificates but handles estate-related matters.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Lackawanna County Clerk of Orphans' Court at the same location; couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay a fee of approximately $40.00.
- Individuals requiring vital records for passports, benefits, or other legal purposes should request certified copies with the raised seal, as photocopies are typically not accepted for official purposes.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Lackawanna County involves both county and state agencies. The Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau, manages all business entity registrations including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and fictitious names. Their online business entity search is available at corporations.pa.gov/search/corpsearch, allowing free lookup of registered businesses, officers, and status. Formation documents and annual reports can be filed online.
- Sales tax permits and employer tax accounts are registered through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
- Local business privileges and mercantile taxes vary by county; businesses operating in Scranton must register with the City Tax Office at City Hall, 340 North Washington Avenue.
- Lackawanna County Planning Commission at provides information on land development and planning matters.
Lackawanna County Prothonotary's Office at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503, phone, accepts certain business related filings including UCC financing statements and local fictitious name registrations (doing business as/DBA). Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, with online license verification at pals.pa.gov. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are issued by municipal building code departments.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, located at 222 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA 18503, phone, website scrantonchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information. Home-based businesses and contractors should verify local zoning compliance and obtain required permits from their county. Lackawanna County does not issue general business licenses but certain regulated activities (food service, health facilities, day care) require state and local permits from respective agencies.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lackawanna County are administered by Lackawanna County Board of Elections, located at 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. The Board of Elections can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at lackawannacounty.org/departments/elections. Pennsylvania voters must register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Online voter registration is available through the Pennsylvania Department of State at register.votespa.com, where residents can also check registration status, find polling places, and view sample ballots.
- Voters may also register in person at the Board of Elections office, county voter registration offices, PennDOT driver license centers, or by mailing a completed registration form.
- Pennsylvania offers mail-in voting to all registered voters upon request, without requiring an excuse.
- Mail-in and absentee ballot applications can be submitted online at votespa.com/mailinabsentee, by visiting the Board of Elections office, or by submitting a written request.
- Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requesters under 25 P.S.
- In the 2024 general election, turnout was approximately 65% of registered voters.
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before the election. Completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Voters can find their polling place by visiting Lackawanna County elections website or the state's polling place locator.
§ 2621), campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State, candidate nominating petitions, and certified election results by precinct. Lackawanna County typically sees voter turnout of 60-70% in presidential election years and 35-45% in midterm elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Pennsylvania's congressional districts, Pennsylvania gubernatorial and other statewide offices, and state legislative seats. Lackawanna County uses paper ballot systems with optical scan tabulators, providing a voter-verifiable paper trail. Election results are posted on election night at the Board of Elections and on Lackawanna County website.
Official certification occurs after canvassing is complete. Citizens may request to observe election processes including pre-election testing, poll operations, and canvassing by contacting the Board of Elections. Campaign finance records for local candidates are filed with Lackawanna County and available for public inspection, while state-level candidates file with the Pennsylvania Department of State's campaign finance system at cfr.dos.pa.gov.
Economy & Demographics
Lackawanna County's economy has transformed significantly from its coal mining and railroad heritage to a diversified service-based economy. The median household income is approximately $53,000 according to recent American Community Survey data, slightly below the Pennsylvania state median.
- Manufacturing, once the economic backbone, still maintains a presence with companies in fabricated metals, food processing, and specialty manufacturing.
- The Scranton Enterprise Center provides business incubation services for startups.
- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport provides air service.
Major employers include Geisinger Community Medical Center, Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton, the University of Scranton, Tobyhanna Army Depot (located in neighboring Monroe County but employing many Lackawanna residents), Lackawanna County government, Scranton School District, and various retail and service employers. The healthcare and social assistance sector dominates employment, followed by educational services, retail trade, and accommodation/food services. Gerrity's Supermarkets, headquartered in Scranton, operates multiple stores regionally.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area is a back-office and call center location for several national companies due to its central East Coast location and fiber optic infrastructure. Unemployment rates typically track close to state and national averages, ranging from 4-7% depending on economic conditions. Economic development initiatives focus on technology sector growth, downtown Scranton revitalization, and using educational institutions.
The nearby Pocono Mountains support tourism and recreational industries benefiting county residents. The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA) maintains rail infrastructure supporting freight operations. Major highway access via I-81, I-84, and I-476 handles distribution and logistics businesses.
Challenges include population decline, aging infrastructure, and competition for business investment with other Northeast regions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free GIS & Records Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Lackawanna County provides good online access to court dockets, property records, and election information, though some law enforcement and vital records require traditional requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Lackawanna County
Explore public records for 20 cities and communities in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.