About Lebanon County
Lebanon County is located in south-central Pennsylvania, approximately 26 miles east of Harrisburg and 85 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Lebanon County Seat is the City of Lebanon, which is the administrative and commercial center. Lebanon County was formed in 1813 from portions of Dauphin and Lancaster Counties and includes approximately 362 square miles. As of the 2020 Census, Lebanon County's population was 143,257, making it a moderately sized Pennsylvania county with a blend of urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Lebanon County is named after the Biblical cedars of the local community, reflecting the Pennsylvania German heritage that remains strong in Lebanon County. Major municipalities include Lebanon County City, Palmyra, Cornwall, Myerstown, and numerous townships. Lebanon County is known for the Lebanon area Bologna, a distinctive smoked meat product that has been produced locally since the 19th century.
Historic landmarks include the Union Canal Tunnel, built in 1827 as the first tunnel in the United States designed for transportation purposes, and Cornwall Iron Furnace, which operated from 1742 to 1883 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Lebanon County Recorder of Deeds office, located at 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon area, PA 17042, maintains all land records. The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office handles court document filings, while the Assessment Office at the same Government Center complex manages property valuations and tax assessments.
Lebanon County's economy historically centered on agriculture and manufacturing, with significant Pennsylvania Dutch cultural influences visible throughout Lebanon County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lebanon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Lebanon County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Lebanon County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs and initiatives meant to enhancing public safety and supporting the community relations. The Sheriff's Office also is key to serving legal documents and providing security for Lebanon County courthouse.
Police Departments
Lebanon County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Lebanon County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Lebanon City Police Department, Palmyra County Police Department, and Annville Township Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the sheriff's office on county-wide issues and major crimes.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lebanon County Sheriff's Office, located at Lebanon County Government Center at 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042, is responsible for court security, warrant service, and civil process execution. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and does not operate Lebanon County detention facility. Lebanon County Correctional Facility, located at 730 East Walnut Street, Lebanon area, PA 17042 (phone: 717-274-2801), houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- The Pennsylvania State Police Jonestown Station provides coverage for areas without local police departments.
- Requests for arrest records should be directed to the specific police agency that made the arrest.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the facility directly or visiting in person during designated business hours; the facility maintains current inmate rosters but does not offer a full online search portal. Municipal police departments serving Lebanon County include Lebanon County City Police Department, Palmyra County Police, Myerstown County Police, Cornwall County Police, and various regional departments serving townships such as Northern the local community, South Lebanon area, West Cornwall, North Londonderry, and Annville. Arrest records are considered public records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S.
§ 67.101 et seq, though certain exceptions apply for ongoing investigations and juvenile records. Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the arresting agency or Lebanon County Correctional Facility, though policies on releasing such records vary by agency. Some arrest and incident information may be obtained through written Right-to-Know requests submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency, with responses typically required within five business days under Pennsylvania law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Lebanon County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by Lebanon County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Background checks can be conducted through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides full criminal history information. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lebanon County are maintained by Lebanon County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through formal applications to the respective law enforcement agency. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government records.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lebanon County Correctional Facility is the primary detention center for people arrested within Lebanon County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through Lebanon County's 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 laws, allowing for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lebanon County are taken and retained by Lebanon 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 submitting a request to the office. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, making them generally accessible unless sealed by court order.
Courts & Case Records
Lebanon County's court system operates under the unified judicial system of Pennsylvania. The Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County, located at 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4480), serves as Lebanon County's trial court of general jurisdiction, hearing civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The court's website (https://www.lebanoncountypa.gov) provides some case information, though full online case searches are available through Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System web portal at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us.
- Copies of court documents typically cost $0.25 per page for uncertified copies and additional fees for certified copies.
This statewide portal allows users to search for criminal, civil, and family court dockets by name, docket number, or other criteria, though some records may be sealed or restricted. Magisterial District Courts handle preliminary hearings in criminal cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil matters under $12,000; Lebanon County has several magisterial district judges serving different geographic areas. The Prothonotary's office maintains civil court records, while the Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files.
Public access to court records is governed by Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 509, which establishes presumptive public access while protecting certain confidential information. The Orphans' Court Division handles probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoption matters. Most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute, such as juvenile delinquency records, certain family court matters, and adoption files.
Property & Public Records
Lebanon County Recorder of Deeds office, located at 400 South 8th Street, Suite 106, Lebanon, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4480), maintains all recorded land documents including deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, assignments, easements, rights-of-way, and related instruments affecting real property in Lebanon County. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
- Lebanon County offers a free online property document search through its website at https://www.lebanoncountypa.gov, allowing users to search recorded documents by name, book and page, document type, and date range.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus any applicable postage.
- Lebanon County Assessment Office, located at 400 South 8th Street, Room 207, Lebanon area, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4360), maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and property characteristics data.
- Property assessment information is accessible through Lebanon County's online parcel search system, which provides owner names, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax information.
- All property records are public under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law unless specifically exempted, and requests for specialized searches or bulk data may require written Right-to-Know requests.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lebanon County are maintained by both county and state offices. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Lebanon County can be requested from Lebanon County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court Division, located at 400 South 8th Street, Room 203, Lebanon, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4468). Birth certificates cost $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily available; mail requests generally take 2-4 weeks.
- Online ordering is available through the state's vendor VitalChek at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Certificates.aspx, with additional service fees.
- Code Chapter 11, governs access to and confidentiality of vital records, restricting access to protect privacy while allowing authorized persons to obtain necessary documentation.
Only authorized persons may obtain certified copies, including the registrant (for birth records), family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest as defined by law. Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, or passport. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (phone: 724-656-3100), is the central repository for all Pennsylvania vital records and can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in the commonwealth since 1906.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Marriage License Bureau at Lebanon County Courthouse, 400 South 8th Street, the local community, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4480), with a fee of $45.00; both parties must apply in person with valid photo identification. Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's office at the same address. Pennsylvania vital records law, 35 Pa.
Business & Licensing
Business records in Lebanon County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type. Lebanon County Prothonotary's office, located at 400 South 8th Street, Room 103, Lebanon, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4480), accepts filings for fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA registrations) required under Pennsylvania's Fictitious Names Act, 54 Pa.C.S. § 311 et seq. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Lebanon County, with fees typically around $70.00 for the initial filing.
- Professional licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, searchable online at https://www.pals.pa.gov.
- the local community Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon County, PA 17046 (website: https://www.lvchamber.org), provides business resources and networking opportunities for Lebanon County's business community.
The Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, maintains the official registry of business entities including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships formed in Pennsylvania. The Department of State's online business entity search is available at https://www.corporations.pa.gov/search/corpsearch, providing free access to entity names, registration status, formation dates, and registered agent information. Sales tax licenses are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities within Lebanon County; applicants should contact the specific county or township for requirements. Building permits, zoning approvals, and occupancy permits are handled at the municipal level in Pennsylvania. Lebanon County Planning Department, phone 717-228-4428, handles subdivision and land development reviews and maintains full planning documents.
Elections & Voter Records
Lebanon County elections are administered by Lebanon County Bureau of Elections, located at 400 South 8th Street, Room 207, Lebanon, PA 17042 (phone: 717-228-4428). The bureau's website at https://www.lebanoncountypa.gov provides election information, sample ballots, and results.
- The voter registration deadline in Pennsylvania is 15 days before any election; the last day to register for the November 3, 2026 midterm election will be October 19, 2026.
- Pennsylvania implemented no-excuse mail-in voting through Act 77 of 2019, allowing any registered voter to request a mail ballot without providing a reason.
- All election-related public records requests should be submitted under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to Lebanon County Open Records Officer.
Pennsylvania voter registration can be completed online through the Pennsylvania Department of State at https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, or by submitting a paper application available at Lebanon County elections office, state driver's license centers, and various public agencies. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx or by contacting the Bureau of Elections directly. Mail-in ballot applications can be submitted online through the state voter services website, by mail, or in person at Lebanon County elections office; the deadline to apply is typically 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before Election Day, though the deadline to request emergency absentee ballots is later.
Completed mail ballots must be received by Lebanon County by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Public election records include voter registration lists (excluding dates of birth and driver's license numbers per 25 P.S. § 2626), campaign finance reports filed with Lebanon County or state, candidate nomination petitions, and precinct-level election results.
Lebanon County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 74%, reflecting Lebanon County's traditionally high participation in presidential elections; midterm turnout typically ranges between 50-60%. Lebanon County uses modern voting systems with paper ballot backups to ensure election security. Citizens may observe the canvassing of mail-in and absentee ballots and the tabulation of results by contacting the elections office to arrange access.
The 2026 midterm elections will feature races for Pennsylvania Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives (Lebanon County is split between Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District), Pennsylvania State Senate, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and various county offices depending on the election cycle.
Economy & Demographics
Lebanon County's economy reflects a diverse blend of manufacturing, agriculture, distribution, and service industries. Historically rooted in agriculture and iron production, Lebanon County has evolved into a center for food processing, metalworking, and logistics. Major employers include the WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Hershey Company (distribution operations in Palmyra), Redner's Markets (headquartered in Reading with significant Lebanon County presence), and numerous manufacturing firms.
- Lebanon County benefits from proximity to the Harrisburg metropolitan area while maintaining lower costs of operation.
The median household income in Lebanon County was approximately $66,600 according to recent American Community Survey estimates, slightly below the Pennsylvania median but reflecting Lebanon County's mix of blue-collar and white-collar employment. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone sector, particularly precision metalworking, food processing (including the famous the local community Bologna producers such as Seltzer's Lebanon County Seat area Bologna), and machinery production. Agriculture continues as an important economic contributor, with dairy farming, grain production, and livestock operations concentrated in Lebanon County's rural townships; Lebanon County's Pennsylvania Dutch heritage supports continued agricultural productivity.
The distribution and warehousing sector has grown substantially due to Lebanon County's strategic location along Interstate 78 and proximity to major Mid-Atlantic markets. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above Pennsylvania's state average. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on business park expansions in North Cornwall Township and South Annville Township, attracting logistics and manufacturing operations.
Tourism contributes to the economy through heritage attractions including Cornwall Iron Furnace, the Union Canal Tunnel, and agritourism operations showcasing Lebanon County's agricultural heritage.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (PA Statewide Portal) | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Lebanon County provides good digital access to property and court records through state and county systems, though jail inmate searches require direct contact and vital records lack online ordering at the county level.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Lebanon County
Explore public records for 18 cities and communities in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.