About Mercer County
Mercer County, Pennsylvania, is located in the northwestern corner of the Commonwealth, sharing its western border with Ohio. Established on March 12, 1800, Mercer County was named after General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero who died at the Battle of Princeton. Mercer County Seat is the local community, a small county that is the administrative center, though the City of Sharon and the City of Hermitage are the largest municipalities by population.
Mercer County includes approximately 682 square miles and had a population of approximately 110,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Mercer County is characterized by rolling hills, agricultural land, and industrial corridors, particularly along the Shenango River Valley. Major landmarks include Grove City College, the historic Buhl Mansion in Sharon, and the Shenango River Lake recreation area.
Mercer County's economy has historically been tied to steel production, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key county offices include Mercer County Recorder of Deeds located at 103 South Diamond Street in Mercer area, PA 16137; Mercer County Clerk of Courts at the same address; and Mercer County Assessment Office, which maintains property valuation records. Mercer County Courthouse, built in 1909, is an architectural landmark in downtown Mercer area.
What makes Mercer County unique is its blend of industrial heritage in cities like Sharon and Farrell with the quaint college town atmosphere of Grove City, home to both Grove City College and Grove City Premium Outlets, one of Pennsylvania's largest outlet shopping destinations.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Mercer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Mercer County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Mercer County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides security for Mercer County courthouse and assists with the transportation of inmates. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to improving public safety and building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
Mercer County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Mercer County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Hermitage Police Department, Sharon Police Department, and Grove City Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city or county, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across Mercer County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Mercer County is coordinated by Mercer County Sheriff's Office, located at 103 South Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and handles civil process service, courthouse security, warrant execution, and operates Mercer County Jail. Inmate lookup for Mercer County Jail is available through Mercer County website or by calling the jail directly. The facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving county-level sentences.
- The Pennsylvania State Police Mercer area barracks at 3310 Perry Highway provides coverage for townships and boroughs without their own police forces.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or through the Clerk of Courts for records related to court proceedings.
- Some agencies post recent bookings online, while others require in-person or written requests.
- Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law provides broad access to arrest and booking information, though certain investigative records may be exempt.
- Processing times and fees vary by agency, with some charging nominal copying fees for paper records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Mercer County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Mercer County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Pennsylvania State Police provide access to statewide criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system, which provides detailed criminal records for people within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Mercer County are maintained by Mercer County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, booking details, and any subsequent court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the relevant law enforcement agency or through the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, which governs public access to government records. A typical arrest record in Mercer County includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and case status.
Jail & Inmate Records
Mercer County Jail is the primary detention facility in Mercer County, where individuals arrested within Mercer County are booked and held. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through Mercer County's official website, allowing residents to search for current inmates. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allocated for visits.
- In Pennsylvania, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Mercer County are taken and retained by the arresting agency, typically Mercer County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a formal request. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Mercer County court system is anchored by the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County, located at 103 South Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137, phone. The Court of Common Pleas has general trial jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $12,000, criminal matters, family law including divorce and custody, orphans' court matters (probate, estates, trusts), and appeals from lower courts. The Honorable President Judge and additional judges preside over various divisions.
- Court records are accessible through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides docket searches for both Common Pleas and Magisterial District Court cases.
- Public access is governed by Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration regarding case records, with most criminal and civil dockets available online at no charge for viewing, though certified copies require fees.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $7 to $10 per document plus per-page charges.
Mercer County also has Magisterial District Courts (known as District Justice Courts) located throughout Mercer County, handling minor criminal matters, summary offenses, preliminary hearings, civil cases under $12,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations. Specific Magisterial District Courts serve different geographic regions of Mercer County. The Clerk of Courts office maintains criminal records, while the Prothonotary maintains civil records.
In-person record searches are available during business hours at the courthouse. Remote electronic access to some documents is available through the Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System, though certain sensitive records such as juvenile matters, adoption records, and some family court documents are restricted or sealed.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Mercer County are maintained by Mercer County Recorder of Deeds, located at 103 South Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137, phone. The Recorder's office is responsible for recording and maintaining deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, UCC financing statements, military discharge papers (DD-214s), and plat maps. These records date back to Mercer County's founding in 1800 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property location.
- An online GIS/parcel viewer is available through Mercer County website, allowing users to view parcel maps, tax information, and property details at no charge.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder of Deeds office for a fee of approximately $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus applicable certification fees.
- Requests can be made in person, by mail, or in some cases online.
Mercer County offers an online property search system through Mercer County website at www.mcc.co.the local community.pa.us, where users can search recorded documents, though viewing and downloading official documents may require a subscription or per-document fee. Property tax records are maintained by Mercer County Assessment Office at the same courthouse address, phone ext. 2900.
The Assessment Office maintains property tax assessments, ownership information, property characteristics, and sales data. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Tax bills and payment information are available through Mercer County Tax Claim Bureau and individual municipal tax collectors.
Vital Records
Vital records for Mercer County, Pennsylvania, are handled at both Mercer County and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Mercer County can be obtained from the Register of Wills and Orphans' Court Division at 103 South Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137, phone, though availability may be limited. For full vital records services, Pennsylvania residents should contact the Division of Vital Records, Pennsylvania Department of Health, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or call.
- Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates are similarly priced.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50, and there is a three-day waiting period after application before the license is valid.
- Online ordering is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's VitalChek service at www.health.pa.gov, though convenience fees apply for online and expedited requests.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to obtain certified copies. Marriage licenses are issued by the Marriage License Bureau within the Orphans' Court Division at Mercer County Courthouse, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Prothonotary at Mercer County Courthouse, as divorce is a civil court matter.
Pennsylvania vital records law, 35 Pa. C.S. § 450.101 et seq, governs access to these records, restricting certified copies to immediate family members and other authorized individuals.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Mercer County are accessible through multiple offices depending on the record type. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As/DBA) are filed with Mercer County Prothonotary at 103 South Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137, phone. These registrations are required for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name and are public records searchable at the Prothonotary's office.
- This free searchable database provides information on business names, registration status, registration dates, registered agents, and business addresses for all entities registered in Pennsylvania.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Pennsylvania Department of State Corporation Bureau maintains an online database at www.corporations.pa.gov. Professional licenses for occupations such as nursing, cosmetology, real estate, and others are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, searchable at www.pals.pa.gov. Sales tax licenses and employer tax accounts are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Local business licenses and permits vary by county; many Mercer County boroughs and cities require local business privilege licenses and can be obtained from individual municipal offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and occupancy permits are issued by municipal code enforcement offices or Mercer County Planning Commission at 503 Mercer County Courthouse, Mercer County, PA 16137, phone ext. 2000.
Mercer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, located in Hermitage, serves the business community and can be reached through their website at www.mercercountypa.org, providing networking, advocacy, and business resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Mercer County is conducted by Mercer County Board of Elections, located at 103 South Diamond Street, Mercer, PA 16137, phone ext. 2700. Voter registration in Pennsylvania is available online through the Pennsylvania Department of State at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, in person at Mercer County Elections Office, or at PennDOT driver's license centers. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Mercer County voter turnout was approximately 68% of registered voters.
- § 2600 et seq, which provides for poll watchers, public canvassing of votes, and post-election audits to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Pennsylvania offers same-day registration only for those voting during the early voting period that began with recent election law changes. Voters can check their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the Pennsylvania Voter Services website at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov. Polling place information is also available by contacting the Board of Elections directly.
Public election records in Mercer County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under 25 P.S. § 2626), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (available through the Pennsylvania Department of State), candidate petitions and filings, and precinct-level election results. Mercer County typically experiences voter turnout of approximately 65-70% in presidential election years and 40-50% in midterm elections, consistent with Pennsylvania statewide patterns.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Pennsylvania Governor (2026), Pennsylvania General Assembly seats, and various county and local offices.
Pennsylvania offers mail-in voting under Act 77; any registered voter may request a mail-in or absentee ballot through the Pennsylvania Department of State online portal at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov or by submitting a written application to Mercer County Board of Elections. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before the election, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Transparency of elections in Mercer County is governed by Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S.
Economy & Demographics
Mercer County's economy has evolved from its steel manufacturing roots to a more diversified base including healthcare, education, retail, and advanced manufacturing. Major employers include UPMC Horizon (formerly Horizon Hospital System) with facilities in Greenville and Sharon, Sharon Regional Health System (part of Steward Health Care), Grove City College, and the Grove City Area School District. The retail sector is anchored by Grove City Premium Outlets, which attracts millions of visitors annually and generates significant sales tax revenue and employment.
Manufacturing remains important with companies such as Greenville Metals, II-VI Incorporated (advanced materials), and various tool and die shops continuing operations. The median household income in Mercer County is approximately $53,000, slightly below the Pennsylvania state average, reflecting Mercer County's mix of working-class industrial communities and professional employment centers. Agriculture continues to matter, particularly dairy farming, livestock, and corn and soybean production in the rural townships.
The unemployment rate has historically tracked close to or slightly above the state average, with economic activity concentrated along the Route 19 and Interstate 79 corridors. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on attracting distribution centers, leveraging Mercer County's proximity to Interstate 80 and Interstate 79, and supporting small business development in downtown areas. Mercer County Regional Planning Commission and Mercer County Redevelopment Authority work to attract investment and support brownfield redevelopment, particularly in former industrial sites in Sharon, Farrell, and Sharpsville.
Tourism related to Shenango River Lake, hunting and outdoor recreation, and outlet shopping contributes to the service sector economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free GIS/Parcel Viewer | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Online Access | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10 — Mercer County provides solid online access to court dockets and property information, though arrest records and vital records require more direct agency contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Mercer County
Explore public records for 21 cities and communities in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.