About Union County
Union County, Pennsylvania is a rural county located in the central part of the Commonwealth, located in the Susquehanna River Valley. Established in 1813 from portions of Northumberland County, Union County includes approximately 318 square miles and had a population of approximately 44,947 according to recent estimates. Union County Seat is Lewisburg, a historic town that is home to Bucknell University, one of Union County's premier liberal arts institutions.
Union County is bordered by Northumberland County to the east, Snyder County to the west, Lycoming County to the north, and the Susquehanna River forms much of its southern boundary. Union County is characterized by rolling farmland, the scenic West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and the Bald Eagle Mountain range. Major municipalities include Lewisburg County, Mifflinburg County, and New Berlin County.
Union County Courthouse, located at 103 South Second Street in Lewisburg, is the administrative center and houses many county offices. Union Recorder of Deeds of Deeds maintains property records, while the Prothonotary is the clerk of courts. Union County Assessment Office, located at 155 North 15th Street, Mifflinburg, handles property assessments and tax records.
Union County's history is deeply rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and education, with the federal penitentiary at Lewisburg being a significant employer. Union County's character blends small-town charm with the cultural and educational offerings of a university community.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Union County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Union County. This office patrols unincorporated areas, manages Union County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and crime prevention efforts meant to building a safe environment for all residents.
Police Departments
Union County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Union County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Lewisburg Police Department and the Mifflinburg Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the Sheriff's Office covering unincorporated regions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and share resources to enhance public safety across Union County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Union County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Union County Courthouse at 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, provides law enforcement services including court security, warrant service, and operation of Union County correctional facility. Union County Prison, located at 155 North 15th Street, Mifflinburg, PA 17844, houses inmates for Union County, and inmate information can be obtained by calling during business hours.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the arresting agency, though they may require a formal Right-to-Know request.
- Processing time varies, but agencies must respond within five business days under the statute.
Currently, Union County does not offer a full online inmate roster, so inquiries about current inmates must be made by phone or in person. Arrest records and criminal history information in Union County are public records subject to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S.
§ 67.101 et seq. Some arrest information may be withheld if it pertains to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders. Union County District Attorney's Office at the courthouse can provide information about prosecution records and case dispositions.
Pennsylvania State Police also maintain criminal records through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Union County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through these agencies, and the Pennsylvania State Police offers further support for full background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Union County are maintained by Union County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting these agencies directly. An arrest record in Union County typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs the accessibility of public records, for public access and public access to arrest information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Union County Jail, located in Lewisburg, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Union County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and regulations that visitors must adhere to.
- The bond and bail process in Pennsylvania allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Union County are taken and retained by Union County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or potentially through third-party websites that aggregate such data. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may request removal from private websites under certain conditions.
Courts & Case Records
Union County's judicial system operates through the Court of Common Pleas of Union County, located at Union County Courthouse, 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837 The Court of Common Pleas has general trial jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters, including felonies, major civil cases, family law, and appeals from lower courts. Magisterial District Courts handle preliminary hearings, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and minor criminal and civil matters; Union County is served by Magisterial District Court 17-3-01 in Mifflinburg and 17-3-02 in Lewisburg.
- Court records can be searched through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides access to docket sheets for both criminal and civil cases.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $6.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, as established by Pennsylvania statute.
- The Register of Wills office, also located at the courthouse, maintains probate records and can be reached at.
The Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles estates, wills, trusts, and guardianships. The Prothonotary's Office maintains civil court records, while the Clerk of Courts maintains criminal records. Public access to court records in Pennsylvania is governed by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, which balances transparency with privacy concerns.
Some records, including those involving juveniles, mental health proceedings, and sealed cases, are restricted from public access. In-person searches can be conducted at the courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
Union Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, maintains all land and property records for Union County. The office can be reached at and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Recorder's Office maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and various other instruments affecting real property. Union County offers an online property record search through a third-party vendor accessible via Union County website at www.unionco.org, though some features may require a subscription for full access.
- Property tax records can be searched online through Union County's GIS mapping system, which provides parcel boundaries, assessment values, and ownership information.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Recorder of Deeds for a fee of $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus $5.00 for certification.
- Recording fees for new documents vary based on document type and number of pages.
- Union County's GIS parcel viewer provides free access to tax maps, aerial imagery, and basic property information, though detailed ownership history and legal descriptions require accessing recorded documents.
Vital Records
Vital records for Union County, Pennsylvania are maintained by both county and state agencies. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Union County can be requested from the Division of Vital Records, Pennsylvania Department of Health, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, phone 724-656-3100. The state office maintains records from 1906 to the present. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $20.00 per copy. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates for an additional service fee, with faster processing times.
- The fee is approximately $40.00, payable in cash or check.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to receive certified copies, as Pennsylvania restricts access to immediate family members and legal representatives. Marriage licenses in Union County are issued by the Marriage License Bureau at Union County Courthouse, 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837 Both parties must appear in person to apply, and there is a three-day waiting period before the license is valid.
Marriage records are public after the ceremony is performed. Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's Office at Union County Courthouse and can be searched through the Pennsylvania court docket system. Pennsylvania vital records law is codified at 35 Pa.
C.S. § 450.101 et seq, which establishes requirements for registration, certification, and access to vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Union County, Pennsylvania are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Union County Prothonotary's Office at the courthouse processes Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, which are used to perfect security interests in personal property. For business entity formation, DBA (doing business as) registrations, and corporate filings, the Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau maintains the statewide database.
- Union County Planning Department, located at 155 North 15th Street, Mifflinburg, provides coordination and resources but does not issue permits.
- Union County Area Chamber of Commerce, serving Lewisburg and surrounding areas, can be reached through their office and provides business support services.
Business entities can be searched at https://www.corporations.pa.gov/search/corpsearch, which provides free access to information on corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and fictitious name registrations. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue handles sales tax permits and business tax registration through its website at www.revenue.pa.gov. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs and can be searched at www.pals.pa.gov.
Building permits and zoning matters in Union County are handled at the municipal level by individual townships and boroughs, as Pennsylvania is a home-rule state with local land use control. Agricultural businesses may also need permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. County-level business licenses are relatively limited in Pennsylvania, with most regulatory authority residing at the state or municipal level.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Union County, Pennsylvania are administered by Union County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 103 South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available at www.unionco.org. Voter registration in Pennsylvania can be completed online through the Pennsylvania Department of State at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, by mail using a paper application, or in person at Union County elections office. The registration deadline is 15 days before any election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Union County saw approximately 67% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with Pennsylvania's traditionally strong electoral participation.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct returns, voter histories, and other non-confidential election records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.
Pennsylvania offers same-day registration only for first-time voters at Union County office during designated periods. Voters can find their polling place by visiting www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx and entering their address. Union County operates multiple precincts across its municipalities, with polling places typically located in municipal buildings, fire halls, and community centers.
Election records that are public in Pennsylvania include the official voter registration list (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State, candidate petitions and filings, and precinct-level election results. Union County elections office publishes election results on Union County website following each election. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring races for the U.S.
House of Representatives, Pennsylvania Governor (potentially, depending on term limits), and various state legislative seats. Pennsylvania offers mail-in voting to all registered voters under Act 77; voters can request a mail-in or absentee ballot through the Pennsylvania Department of State website or by contacting Union County elections office. Applications for mail-in ballots must be received by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before the election.
Completed ballots must be received by Union County office by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Drop boxes for mail-in ballots are available at designated secure locations in Union County. The Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S.
§ 2600 et seq, governs election procedures and public access to election records.
Economy & Demographics
Union County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, education, government operations, manufacturing, and service industries. Bucknell University in Lewisburg is the largest employer in Union County, with over 1,400 faculty and staff, and contributes significantly to the local economy through employment, student spending, and cultural activities. The Federal Correctional Institution at Lewisburg is another major employer, with several hundred federal employees. Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg provides healthcare services and substantial employment.
- The median household income in Union County is estimated at approximately $62,000, notably higher than the Pennsylvania average, partly due to the presence of well-compensated university faculty and federal employees.
Agriculture remains an important economic sector, with dairy farming, grain production, and livestock operations spread across Union County's rural areas. Manufacturing facilities in Union County produce industrial equipment, food products, and consumer goods, with several companies operating plants in Mifflinburg and other municipalities. The unemployment rate in Union County typically runs below both state and national averages, reflecting the stability provided by anchor institutions.
Tourism contributes to the economy through visitors to Bucknell University events, antique shops in New Berlin, and outdoor recreation along the Susquehanna River and Buffalo Creek. Union County has seen economic development efforts focused on downtown revitalization in Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, with historic preservation efforts attracting small businesses and restaurants. Union County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises.
Retail and service sectors are concentrated in the boroughs, particularly Lewisburg, which is a regional shopping and dining destination.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via UJS Portal | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: State Office, Online via VitalChek | Business: Yes: Online via PA State Portal | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7/10, Union County provides good digital access to court and property records, though jail records require direct contact and some vital records processing remains traditional.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Union County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Union County, Pennsylvania.