About Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is located in the southwestern region of the Commonwealth and serves as one of the state's most populous and economically significant counties. With a population of approximately 1.25 million residents as of recent census estimates, it ranks as the second-most populous county in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia County. Allegheny County seat is Pittsburgh, a major metropolitan center known for its transformation from a steel industry powerhouse to a hub for healthcare, education, technology, and finance. Allegheny County includes approximately 730 square miles and includes 130 municipalities, making it one of the most municipally fragmented counties in the United States. Major landmarks include Point State Park at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, the historic Fort Pitt, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the iconic inclines that transport visitors up Mount Washington for panoramic city views. Allegheny County was formed in 1788 from parts of Westmoreland and Washington counties and named after the Pittsburgh area River. Key county offices include Allegheny County Office of Property Assessments located at 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Allegheny Recorder of Deeds of Deeds at the County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue; and the Office of the Clerk of Courts at Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Allegheny County's diverse topography features rolling hills, river valleys, and wooded areas, contributing to its distinctive character and providing both urban amenities and natural beauty.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Inmates housed at Allegheny County Jail, located at 950 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, can be searched through the online inmate locator at the Sheriff's Office website or by calling.
- The jail roster provides information on current detainees, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online inmate search system or by submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- In Pennsylvania, the bond or bail process involves posting a set amount determined by the court to secure the temporary release of an inmate.
Courts & Case Records
- Allegheny County Clerk of Courts, located at 436 Grant Street, Room 130, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (phone: 412-350-4234), maintains official court records and provides certified copies for a fee.
- Docket sheet copies are typically free online, while certified copies cost $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
Property & Public Records
Property records for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Allegheny County.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- The office can be contacted through the office’s website. Death certificates for deaths occurring in Allegheny County are also available from the Division of Vital Statistics for the same fee structure.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Office of the Clerk of Courts, Family Division, at 440 Ross Street, Family Division, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (phone: 412-350-5600).
- Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through the state's authorized vendor VitalChek at vitalchek.com for an additional service fee.
- Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or direct interest when requesting certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Official Government Resources
Overview
Allegheny County (/ˌælɪˈɡeɪni/ AL-ig-AY-nee) is a large urban county in Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2025 census estimate, the population was 1,225,035, a 2% decrease of 25,543 residents since 2020, making it the state's second-most populous county, after Philadelphia County.
Law Enforcement
Primary law enforcement in Allegheny County is provided by the Allegheny County Police Department (within municipal limits) and the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office (unincorporated areas and county-wide). The Pennsylvania State Police/Highway Patrol handles state highway enforcement.
Arrest Records
Arrests in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania are made by the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office and any municipal police agencies serving cities and towns within the county. Arrest reports are typically public records under state PA statutes, subject to standard exemptions (active investigations, juvenile records, sealed cases).
Jail & Inmate Records
The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail and maintains the inmate roster. State prisons (for sentences over one year) are operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Criminal Records
Criminal history records in Pennsylvania are maintained by the state criminal-history repository. Eligibility for sealing or expungement is determined by state statute.
Court Records
Court records for cases filed in Allegheny County are maintained primarily by the local Clerk of Court. Statewide case search is also available through the Pennsylvania court system website. For case files, contact the local Clerk's office directly — they hold the actual case documents.
Vital Records
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records in Pennsylvania are typically requested through the state Department of Health (Vital Records office), with some records also available at the local clerk level.