About Northumberland County
Northumberland County is located in central Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River, established in 1772 as one of the commonwealth's original counties. Northumberland County Seat is Sunbury, a historic city situated at the confluence of the West and North branches of the Susquehanna River. Northumberland County includes approximately 460 square miles and has a population of approximately 91,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Northumberland County is named after Northumberland in England and played a significant role in Pennsylvania's coal mining history and industrial development. Major municipalities include Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Milton, and Kulpmont. Northumberland County is home to the Joseph Priestley House, a National Historic Landmark where the discoverer of oxygen lived in exile from England.
Northumberland County Courthouse, located at 201 Market Street in Sunbury, is the administrative center for county government. Northumberland Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office maintains property records at the courthouse, while the Prothonotary is the chief clerk for civil court proceedings. The Assessment Office, also located in the courthouse, manages property valuations and tax assessment records.
Northumberland County features a mix of rural farmland, forested areas, and post-industrial communities, with the Susquehanna River acting as a defining geographic and economic feature. Northumberland County's Appalachian heritage is evident in its coal mining history, particularly in the western anthracite region communities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Northumberland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Northumberland County's unincorporated areas. It oversees Northumberland County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also provides court security and serves legal documents. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
In addition to Northumberland County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Northumberland County. These include the Sunbury Police Department, Shamokin Police Department, and Milton Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, and they collaborate on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure public safety across Northumberland County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Northumberland County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Northumberland County Courthouse, 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801, provides law enforcement services including civil process, courthouse security, and warrant service. Northumberland County Prison, located at 4 North Union Street, Sunbury, PA 17801, houses inmates and maintains a roster accessible by contacting the facility for Inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the prison directly during business hours, though an online inmate lookup system may be available through Northumberland County website.
- § 67.101 et seq, and can be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Booking photographs and arrest logs are generally accessible through written requests to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though some agencies may post recent arrests online.
- Pennsylvania law requires agencies to respond to Right-to-Know requests within five business days.
- Criminal history background checks are processed through the Pennsylvania State Police.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Northumberland County's criminal records include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system. The Pennsylvania State Police provides additional resources for full criminal history searches.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Northumberland County are maintained by Northumberland County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Arrest records typically include details such as the individual's name, charges, and arrest date. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs access to public records, for public access.
Jail & Inmate Records
Northumberland County Prison, located in Sunbury, is the primary detention facility for Northumberland County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through Northumberland County's online portal, allowing residents to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance and adherence to specific guidelines. The bond process follows Pennsylvania's legal framework, allowing bail to be posted for eligible inmates.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Northumberland County are taken and retained by Northumberland County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images can be accessed through the sheriff's office or via third-party websites that aggregate public records. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found.
Courts & Case Records
Northumberland County's court system is part of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. The Court of Common Pleas serves as Northumberland County's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters, located at 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801 Magisterial District Courts handle preliminary hearings, summary offenses, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims under $12,000, with multiple district justice offices located throughout Northumberland County including in Sunbury, Shamokin, Milton, and other communities.
- Court records are governed by Pennsylvania's public access policy established by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which provides for public access to most court documents while protecting confidential information.
- The Register of Wills, located in the courthouse, maintains probate records including wills, estate inventories, and inheritance tax records.
- Remote access to some case information is available through the state portal, though certain documents require in-person or written requests.
Property & Public Records
Northumberland Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801, phone, maintains all land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and subdivision plats dating back to Northumberland County's formation. The Recorder's office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Northumberland County offers an online property search system through its official county website, allowing users to search recorded documents by name, book and page, or parcel number.
- Recording fees are established by Pennsylvania statute and typically include a base fee plus additional charges per page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or through the online system with fees typically $6.50 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- The online parcel viewer provides aerial photography, zoning information, and flood zone data integrated with assessment records.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Northumberland County are maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, and can be requested through the state office at P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or online at health.pa.gov. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $9 for the first copy. The Division of Vital Records typically processes requests within 4-6 weeks for mail orders, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Northumberland County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans' Court, located at 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at the state health department website, though additional service fees apply.
Birth records less than 105 years old are restricted to eligible applicants who must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility. Death certificates are generally available to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with direct interest. Pennsylvania requires a three-day waiting period between license application and issuance, with licenses valid for 60 days.
Divorce decrees are obtained through the Prothonotary's office for Pennsylvania vital records are governed by 23 Pa.C.S. § 5101 et seq. Genealogical researchers can access older records through the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Northumberland County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on the business type and location. Local business licenses and permits for businesses operating within municipalities are typically handled by individual boroughs and townships, while county-level business operations may require coordination with the County Planning Office for Northumberland County Prothonotary does not file DBA (Doing Business As) or fictitious name registrations, as Pennsylvania businesses must register these with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land development applications in unincorporated areas are processed through Northumberland County Planning Commission, 399 S.
- Northumberland County Chamber of Commerce, located in Sunbury, provides business support services and maintains a directory of local businesses at northumberlandcountychamber.com.
- County contractors may need to register with individual municipalities.
The Pennsylvania Department of State Corporation Bureau provides a free online business entity search at corp.dos.pa.gov where users can look up corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and fictitious names registered statewide. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. Sales tax permits and employer tax registration are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
5th Street, Sunbury, PA 17801, phone, though most municipalities maintain their own building code enforcement and zoning offices. Environmental permits and sewage planning approvals require coordination with the County Planning Office and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Northumberland County are administered by Northumberland County Bureau of Elections, located at 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801. The Elections Office can be reached at and provides information on voter registration, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Pennsylvania is available online through the Pennsylvania Department of State at register.votespa.com, in person at the Elections Bureau, or at PennDOT driver license centers. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election. Pennsylvania residents must be U.S.
- Pennsylvania law allows any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason through Northumberland County elections office, online at vote.pa.gov, or by submitting a paper application.
- § 2600 et seq, which provides for poll watcher access, public canvassing of ballots, and availability of election results at the precinct level.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by the next election, and have lived in Pennsylvania and their election district at least 30 days before the election. Voters can find their polling place by visiting Northumberland County elections website or using the Pennsylvania voter services portal at vote.pa.gov, which provides sample ballots, polling location, and voter registration status. Public election records in Northumberland County include registered voter lists (available for purchase under Pennsylvania election law), campaign finance reports filed with Northumberland County for local candidates, precinct-level election results, and candidate petition filings.
Northumberland County typically experiences voter turnout of 60-65% in presidential elections and 35-45% in midterm elections, with the November 2024 general election showing typical engagement for Northumberland County of Pennsylvania. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Pennsylvania's congressional districts, state legislative races for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and potentially statewide offices.
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. Election transparency in Northumberland County is governed by Pennsylvania's Election Code, 25 P.S. Campaign finance records for county and municipal candidates are filed with the Elections Bureau and are available for public inspection.
Economy & Demographics
Northumberland County's economy has transitioned from its historical reliance on anthracite coal mining and manufacturing to a more diverse economic base. Major employers include Geisinger Health System, which operates medical facilities in Northumberland County, Weis Markets distribution operations, manufacturing facilities, and educational institutions including Pennsylvania College of Technology satellite locations.
- The median household income in Northumberland County is approximately $48,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the economic challenges faced by many former coal region communities.
- Manufacturing includes food processing, plastics, and fabricated metal products.
Healthcare and social assistance represent the largest employment sector, followed by retail trade, manufacturing, and educational services. Agriculture remains economically significant, with dairy farming, crop production, and agribusiness supporting rural areas. The Sunbury Generation LP power plant on the Susquehanna River represents major industrial infrastructure.
Tourism contributes to the economy through recreation along the Susquehanna River, ATV trail systems in former mining areas, and heritage tourism related to coal mining history. Economic development efforts focus on downtown revitalization in Sunbury, Shamokin, and Mount Carmel, with enterprise zones and Keystone Opportunity Zones offering tax incentives. The unemployment rate has historically exceeded state averages but has improved with economic diversification.
Northumberland County faces demographic challenges including population decline in some communities and an aging population. Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority works to attract new business investment and support existing employers through financing programs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via PA Portal | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Recording Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: Online via PA Dept of State | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10 No:rthumberland County provides good digital access to court and property records through state and county systems, though jail and vital records require direct contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Northumberland County
Explore public records for 25 cities and communities in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.