Northampton County

Northampton County is located in the eastern region of Pennsylvania, forming part of the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area and bordered by the Delaware River to the east, which separates it from New Jersey. Northampton County seat is Easton, a historic city situated at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Established in 1752, Northampton County includes approximately 377 square miles and serves a population of over 315,927 residents, making it one of Pennsylvania's more populous counties. Northampton County includes the cities of Easton and Bethlehem (shared with Lehigh County), as well as numerous boroughs and townships. Major landmarks include the National Canal Museum, the Crayola Experience in Easton, the historic Moravian settlements of Bethlehem, and extensive portions of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Northampton County has a rich industrial heritage, particularly in steel production and cement manufacturing, with the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation once dominating Northampton regional economy. Today, Northampton County balances its industrial legacy with growing healthcare, education, and distribution sectors. Northampton County Government Center at 669 Washington Street in Easton houses key administrative offices. Northampton Recorder of Deeds of Deeds maintains property records, the Clerk of Courts handles judicial filings, and the Assessment Office manages property valuations. Northampton County's unique position in the Lehigh Valley, combined with its proximity to major metropolitan areas including Philadelphia, New York City, and Allentown, makes it a strategic location for commerce and residence.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Northampton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Northampton County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office handles the execution of court orders, processes arrests, and manages Northampton County jail. Notable divisions within the office include the K-9 unit and the fugitive apprehension team, which focus on specialized law enforcement tasks.

Police Departments

Northampton County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Northampton County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Easton Police Department, Bethlehem Police Department, and Nazareth Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its jurisdiction, handling local crime, and coordinating with other agencies on major investigations. The collaboration between these departments ensures full law enforcement coverage across Northampton County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Northampton County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Northampton County Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, is responsible for courthouse security, serving civil process, executing bench warrants, and operating Northampton County correctional facility.

• Citizens can request arrest records by submitting written requests to the specific police department that made the arrest or through the Pennsylvania State Police if the arrest was made by state troopers.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through Northampton County Prison's online inmate search system, which displays booking photographs for current inmates.
• Historical arrest records and mugshots may require a formal Right-to-Know request submitted to the respective law enforcement agency.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Northampton County, PA are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Northampton County Criminal Court Division.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Northampton County, PA are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Northampton County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

• Look up current inmates and booking information at Northampton County, PA.
• Sheriff's Office: Northampton County, PA.
• The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

Northampton County's judicial system operates under Pennsylvania's unified judicial system structure. The Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, located at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, serves as Northampton County's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling civil cases exceeding $12,000, criminal matters, family law including divorce and custody, and orphans' court matters such as estates and trusts.

• The Clerk of Courts office maintains criminal and civil court records and charges fees for certified copies, typically $8.50 for the first page and $2.00 for additional pages as established by Pennsylvania fee schedules.

Northampton Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, maintains and provides public access to land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and other instruments affecting real property titles in Northampton County. The office can be contacted at and operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Available records include warranty and quitclaim deeds, mortgage satisfactions, mechanics' liens, UCC filings, military discharge records (DD-214s recorded voluntarily), and subdivision plans.

• The Recorder charges statutory fees for recording new documents, currently $59.50 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page for most instruments.
• Property tax records are maintained by Northampton County Assessment Office at the same Government Center address, phone, which provides property valuations, ownership information, and tax assessment data.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's office for a fee of $8.50 for the first page and $2.00 for additional pages, plus a certification fee.
• Same-day service is typically available for in-person requests, while mail requests may take several business days for processing and return.

Vital records for Northampton County, Pennsylvania, are maintained at both Northampton County and state levels. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Northampton County can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or through authorized local registrars in municipalities where the event occurred. Birth certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates are $20 for the first copy.

• Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
• Couples must apply in person, pay a fee of $40, and wait three days before the license becomes valid; the license remains valid for 60 days.
• Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts as part of court case files and can be accessed through the court records system.
• Pennsylvania residents can order certified birth and death certificates online through the state's VitalChek system at www.health.pa.gov/vitalsupport, with additional service fees applying.
• Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement when requesting restricted vital records.

Business licensing and registration in Northampton County involves multiple governmental levels. The Pennsylvania Department of State maintains the primary business entity database for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business structures. The PA Business Entity Search is available free online at www.corporations.pa.gov, providing information on registered business names, registration dates, status, and registered agents.

• Businesses operating under fictitious names (DBAs) in Northampton County must register with Northampton County Prothonotary at the Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042
• Fictitious name registrations cost approximately $70 and must be renewed every five years.

Explore public records for 26 cities and communities in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Northampton County's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and distribution sectors, representing a significant evolution from its historical industrial base. Major employers include St. Luke's University Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network facilities, Lafayette College in Easton, Northampton Community College, and numerous manufacturing operations. The median household income in Northampton County is approximately $72,000, above the national average and reflecting Northampton County's integration into the economically diverse Lehigh Valley region.

Elections in Northampton County are administered by Northampton County Voter Registration Office, located at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, phone, with full information available at www.norcocovotes.com. Voter registration in Pennsylvania requires submission of an application at least 15 days before an election, and residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's online voter registration portal at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx.

• § 2600 et seq, which provides for poll watcher access, public observation of ballot counting, and public records access to election materials.