About Lancaster County
Lancaster County is located in the south-central region of Pennsylvania, bordered by the Susquehanna River to the west and sharing borders with York, Berks, Lebanon, Chester, and Dauphin counties. Lancaster County Seat is Lancaster City, which is the governmental and commercial hub. Lancaster County includes approximately 949 square miles and has a population of over 550,000 residents, making it one of Pennsylvania's most populous counties.
Lancaster County is internationally recognized for its substantial Amish and Mennonite communities, creating a unique cultural scene where traditional horse-and-buggy transportation coexists with modern suburban development. Major landmarks include the Central Market in Lancaster County City (the nation's oldest continuously operating farmers market), Longwood Gardens near the Chester County border, and the fertile farmland of the Lancaster area Plain. Lancaster County's history dates to 1729 when it was formed from Chester County, and Lancaster City briefly served as the United States capital for one day in September 1777.
Lancaster Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office, located at 150 North Queen Street in Lancaster County, maintains property records. Lancaster County Assessment Office, at 50 North Duke Street, handles property valuations. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts offices are situated in Lancaster County Courthouse at 50 West King Street.
Lancaster County's economy blends traditional agriculture with advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism industries.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Lancaster County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Lancaster County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and a focus on crime prevention through education and collaboration with local communities. The office is key to coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across Lancaster County.
Police Departments
Lancaster County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. Key city departments include the Lancaster City Police Department, Ephrata Police Department, and Manheim Township Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties and collaborating on major crimes. These agencies work together to ensure full coverage and effective response to criminal activities across Lancaster County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 625 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, provides court security, serves legal processes, and operates warrant services. Inmate lookup for Lancaster County Prison, located at 625 East King Street, is available through Lancaster County website's inmate locator tool, which provides current custody status, charges, booking dates, and bond information.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the specific municipal police department that made the arrest or to Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.
Municipal police departments serve individual municipalities throughout Lancaster County, including Lancaster City Bureau of Police, Manheim Township Police Department, East Lampeter Township Police, West Lampeter Township Police, Ephrata County Police, Columbia County Police, Lititz County Police, and numerous other municipal departments covering Lancaster County's 60 municipalities. Arrest records in Lancaster County are public records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq, though certain criminal investigation records may be exempt.
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop J headquarters in Lancaster also serves Lancaster County and maintains records for incidents occurring in areas without municipal police coverage. No tribal law enforcement operates in Lancaster County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Lancaster County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Pennsylvania State Police offers additional resources for Lancaster residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lancaster County are maintained by Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the incident. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through formal written requests, adhering to the guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, and any subsequent court proceedings.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lancaster County Prison is the primary detention facility for Lancaster County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Lancaster County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate information can be accessed through Lancaster County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state laws, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting the required amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lancaster County are taken and retained by Lancaster 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 website or by submitting a formal request. Pennsylvania does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so the availability of mugshots is generally subject to public records laws. Individuals seeking mugshots may also find them through third-party websites that aggregate public records.
Courts & Case Records
The Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, located at 50 West King Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, is the general trial court with jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The court's phone number is. Lancaster County Magisterial District Courts handle preliminary hearings, summary offenses, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases under $12,000. There are ten magisterial district judge offices distributed throughout Lancaster County.
- Court records can be searched through Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides access to docket sheets for criminal and civil cases.
- Online docket searches are free, though certified copies require fees ranging from $6 to $10 per document plus applicable copying charges.
- In-person record requests can be made at the courthouse during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
Lancaster Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office, located at 150 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, maintains all property related documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, assignments, satisfactions, and right-of-way agreements dating back to Lancaster County's formation. The office phone number is listed on the office’s official website, and their website at Lancaster County.pa.us provides access to online search tools. Lancaster County online land records database allows free public searching of recorded documents from 1976 to present, with images available for documents recorded since approximately 1994.
- Earlier records require in-person research or written requests.
- Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Their online GIS mapping system at gis.co.Lancaster.pa.us/parcelviewer provides free access to property parcel information, tax assessment data, sales history, building characteristics, and aerial photography.
The system includes grantor/grantee indexes, property address searches, and document type searches. Lancaster County Assessment Office at 50 North Duke Street, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information. The Tax Claim Bureau, located at 150 North Queen Street, handles delinquent property tax sales and upset tax sales.
Property tax bills and payment information are available through the County Treasurer's office. All property records are public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, with limited exceptions for certain security-sensitive information.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Lancaster County are maintained by the Division of Vital Records, Pennsylvania Department of Health, since Pennsylvania operates a centralized state vital records system. For births and deaths occurring in Lancaster County, certified copies must be requested from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or online at health.pa.gov. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $9 for the first copy with a $3 expedite fee available.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or 10-15 business days for online orders.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at pa.gov for an additional convenience fee.
- The marriage license fee is $30 if both parties are Pennsylvania residents.
- Code Chapter 1, which establishes the procedures, fees, and eligibility requirements for obtaining vital records certificates.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Lancaster County occurs at multiple governmental levels. Lancaster County Clerk of Courts does not maintain a full business license registry, as Pennsylvania counties do not require general county-level business licenses. Fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) are filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State and can be searched at corporations.pa.gov/search/corpsearch.
- This free online search tool provides business name, registration date, status, registered agent, and entity number.
- Lancaster County Planning Commission at provides information on zoning and land development regulations.
The Pennsylvania Department of State's Corporation Bureau maintains the official database of all business entities registered in Pennsylvania, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and fictitious names operating in Lancaster County. Professional licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs at dos.pa.gov/professionallicensing. Sales tax licenses are obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Local business licenses and permits vary by county; Lancaster City requires a mercantile license through the City Treasurer's office. Building permits, zoning approvals, and occupancy permits are issued by individual municipal governments in Lancaster County. Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry, located at 100 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, website Lancaster Countychamber.com, is the primary business advocacy organization and provides networking, business development resources, and economic information for Lancaster County's business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Lancaster County Board of Elections, located at 150 North Queen Street, Room 105, Lancaster, PA 17603, administers all elections in Lancaster County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at vote.co.Lancaster County.pa.us. Voter registration in Pennsylvania is available online at register.votespa.com, which provides a secure portal for new registrations and updates to existing registrations. The deadline to register to vote is 15 days before any election.
- Voters may also register by mail using a paper application or in person at the Board of Elections office, PennDOT driver's license centers, or various county assistance offices.
- Lancaster County's polling place locator provides addresses, hours, and accessibility information for all 340+ precincts.
- Public election records in Lancaster County include voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requesters under 25 P.S.
- Mail-in and absentee ballots are available to all registered Pennsylvania voters without requiring an excuse under Act 77.
- Requests can be submitted online at vote.pa.gov, by mail, or in person at the Board of Elections office.
To find your polling place in Lancaster County, visit vote.co.Lancaster.pa.us or call the Board of Elections. § 2701), campaign finance reports (available through the Pennsylvania Department of State for state candidates and county offices for local candidates), candidate nominating petitions, precinct-level election results, and official vote tallies. The November 2024 general election saw approximately 68% voter turnout in Lancaster County, reflecting strong civic engagement.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, Pennsylvania state offices including Governor, state legislative seats, and local county offices. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is 5:00 PM the Tuesday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Pennsylvania election transparency is governed by the Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S. § 2600 et seq, which establishes public access to voter rolls, election results, and certain pre-election materials. Citizens may request to observe ballot counting and canvassing processes, and may file Right-to-Know requests for election related records subject to specific exemptions for security-sensitive information.
Economy & Demographics
Lancaster County's economy represents a diverse blend of traditional agriculture and modern industry, with a 2023 estimated median household income of approximately $73,000.The Amish and Mennonite communities contribute significantly to the agricultural economy and tourism sector. Major employers include Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (over 8,000 employees), Armstrong World Industries (headquartered in Lancaster), Dart Container Corporation, Herr Foods Inc, R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, and High Industries.
- The manufacturing sector includes food processing, industrial equipment, plastics, building materials, and precision machinery.
Tourism generates substantial economic impact, with attractions such as Dutch Wonderland, the Sight & Sound Theatres, and Amish Country tourism drawing over 8 million visitors annually and supporting over 30,000 jobs. The logistics and distribution sector has expanded significantly due to Lancaster County's strategic location along major transportation corridors. The unemployment rate as of 2024 typically ranges between 3.0% and 3.5%, consistently below national averages.
Recent economic development includes expansion of the Crossgates Commerce Park, redevelopment projects in Lancaster City's downtown, and growth in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. Lancaster County's economic development efforts are coordinated by the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County (EDC), which actively recruits businesses and supports existing industry expansion.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State System Required | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Lancaster County provides excellent online access to court dockets, property search tools with GIS mapping, and transparent election information. The centralized state vital records system requires additional steps for certification.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Lancaster County
Explore public records for 60 cities and communities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.