About Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles east of Pittsburgh. Westmoreland County Seat is Greensburg, a city of approximately 14,000 residents that is the governmental and economic hub of Westmoreland County. Established in 1773, Westmoreland County was the first county formed after the American Revolution and is named after Westmoreland, England. Westmoreland County includes approximately 1,036 square miles and has a population of roughly 350,000 residents, making it one of Pennsylvania's most populous counties.
Major municipalities include Murrysville, New Kensington, Latrobe, Arnold, and Jeannette. Westmoreland County is characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and a rich industrial heritage rooted in coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing. Notable landmarks include Saint Vincent College and Archabbey in Latrobe, Idlewild and SoakZone amusement park, Fort Ligonier, and Bushy Run Battlefield.
Westmoreland County Courthouse is located at 2 North Main Street in Greensburg, housing many key offices. Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds office, located at the Courthouse, maintains property records and land transactions. The Prothonotary is the civil court clerk, while the Clerk of Courts handles criminal matters.
The Assessment Office, also in the Courthouse complex, maintains property valuations and tax assessment records. Westmoreland County's unique character stems from its blend of suburban Pittsburgh communities, small-town America charm, agricultural heritage, and significant contributions to American history and culture, including being the birthplace of Rolling Rock beer and home to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Westmoreland County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Westmoreland County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides court security and serves legal documents. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and specialized units such as the K-9 division, which assists in search and rescue operations.
Police Departments
Westmoreland County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. Key city departments include the Greensburg Police Department, Latrobe Police Department, and New Kensington Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction over their respective areas and collaborate on major crime investigations, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Westmoreland County Courthouse at 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, is responsible for courthouse security, warrant service, and civil process execution. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us. Inmate lookup and jail information is handled by Westmoreland County Prison, located at 530 Weldon Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, phone.
- Citizens can request arrest records from the arresting agency or from the Clerk of Courts.
- Historical arrest records and mugshots may require a formal Right-to-Know request submitted to the specific law enforcement agency.
- Most municipal police departments require written requests for copies of police reports, and fees may apply for copying costs.
- Processing times typically range from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
The facility maintains an online inmate roster accessible through Westmoreland County website where the public can search for current inmates by name and view basic booking information. Municipal law enforcement in Westmoreland County is provided by numerous local police departments, including Greensburg Police Department, Murrysville Police, Latrobe Police, New Kensington Police, Arnold Police, Jeannette Police, Irwin Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Greensburg and Kiski Valley. Pennsylvania State Police Troop A covers significant portions of Westmoreland County.
Arrest records in Westmoreland County are public documents governed by Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104). Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through Westmoreland County Prison inmate lookup system for currently incarcerated individuals.
Westmoreland County Detective Bureau also investigates criminal matters countywide.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Westmoreland County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts maintains these records, while the Pennsylvania State Police provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for full criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Westmoreland County are maintained by Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring a fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, charges, arrest date, and booking details. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs public access to these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Westmoreland County Prison, located in Greensburg, is the primary detention facility for Westmoreland County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing residents to search for people currently held in the facility. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Pennsylvania state law, allowing for cash, property, or surety bonds.
- Information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through Westmoreland County's online inmate search tool.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Westmoreland County are taken and retained by Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by formal request. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Westmoreland County courts operate under Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. The Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County, located at Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 (phone: 724-830-3500), handles civil, criminal, family, and orphans' court matters. The court maintains jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $12,000, domestic relations, juvenile matters, and estate proceedings.
- District Magistrate Courts (also called Magisterial District Courts) handle preliminary hearings, summary offenses, traffic citations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases under $12,000.
- Westmoreland County Law Library, located in the Courthouse, provides legal research resources to attorneys and the public.
Westmoreland County has multiple district courts located throughout Westmoreland County in municipalities including Greensburg, Latrobe, New Kensington, Mount Pleasant, and other communities. Court records are accessible through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides free public access to docket sheets for both Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts. The Prothonotary's Office maintains civil court records and can be reached, while the Clerk of Courts handles criminal records for Certified copies of court documents require a fee, typically $8.00 for the first two pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
Public access to court records in Pennsylvania is governed by the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System, which balances transparency with privacy concerns. Some records, including certain juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and sealed cases, are restricted from public access.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Westmoreland County are maintained by Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds, located at Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Recorder of Deeds maintains records of real estate transactions including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, deed restrictions, and UCC financing statements.
- Westmoreland County provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system, though limited free searching may be available through Westmoreland County website at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder of Deeds office for a fee of $4.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with additional charges for certification.
- All real estate transactions in Pennsylvania must be recorded at Westmoreland County level, and the Recorder's office provides official evidence of property ownership and encumbrances.
Records date back to Westmoreland County's formation in 1773, with many historical documents preserved on microfilm and increasingly digitized. Property tax records and assessment information are managed by Westmoreland County Assessment Office, also located at the Courthouse, phone. The Assessment Office maintains property valuations, ownership information, sales data, and tax assessment records.
An online GIS mapping system and property search tool is available through Westmoreland County's website, allowing users to search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view assessment information, tax maps, and property characteristics. Westmoreland County Tax Claim Bureau, phone, handles delinquent property tax sales and upset tax sales.
Vital Records
Vital records for Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type and date of record. Birth and death certificates from 1906 forward are available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, phone 724-656-3100. Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost the same. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.pa.gov/vitalrecords, with additional service fees.
- Birth and death records from before 1906 may be found at Westmoreland County Register of Wills and Orphans' Court Division.
- The fee for a marriage license is $60.00 if applicants have completed a premarital education course, or $90.00 without the course.
- Applicants requesting vital records must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate.
- County offices accept cash, check, or money order, and some accept credit cards with an additional processing fee.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Westmoreland County are handled by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name registrations (DBA, Doing Business As) are filed with Westmoreland County Prothonotary's Office at the Courthouse, 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, phone. The filing fee is approximately $70.00 and must be renewed every five years.
- The state maintains a free online business entity search at www.corporations.pa.gov where users can look up registered businesses, verify good standing status, and view filing history.
- Westmoreland County Planning and Development Department, phone, provides planning assistance but does not issue permits.
- Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, located in Greensburg, promotes economic development and provides business resources; their website is www.westmorelandchamber.com.
Business entity formations, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Professional licenses (attorneys, healthcare providers, accountants, contractors) are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. Building permits and zoning matters are handled by individual municipalities in Westmoreland County, as Pennsylvania is a home-rule state with land use authority vested in local governments.
Sales tax licenses are obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Local business privilege taxes and mercantile licenses vary by county. Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety handles certain health-related business inspections.
Researchers seeking full business information should check both county Prothonotary records and Pennsylvania state databases.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Westmoreland County are administered by Westmoreland County Bureau of Elections, located at Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 North Main Street, Suite 101, Greensburg, PA 15601. The office can be reached at and maintains information at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/elections. Voter registration in Pennsylvania is available online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov, where eligible citizens can register or update their registration. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election. Pennsylvania also offers same-day registration during early voting periods.
- To register, applicants must be a U.S.
- Pennsylvania offers mail-in voting available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request mail-in or absentee ballots through Westmoreland County elections office online, by mail, or in person.
- Citizens can request specific election records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, though some voter information is protected under privacy statutes.
Citizen for at least 30 days before the election, a Pennsylvania resident, and at least 18 years old by election day. Voters can find their polling place location by visiting Westmoreland County elections website or the Pennsylvania voter services portal using their name and address. Westmoreland County uses precinct-based voting with over 200 polling locations throughout Westmoreland County's municipalities.
Election records that are public include the full voter registration list (available for purchase for legitimate purposes under 25 P.S. § 2607), campaign finance reports filed with Westmoreland County for local candidates, candidate nominating petitions, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Westmoreland County recorded approximately 65% voter turnout, reflecting strong engagement in presidential election years.
Typical turnout for midterm elections averages 45-55%. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, U.S.
Senate race, and state legislative contests. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Tuesday before the election, and completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on election day. Westmoreland County has implemented ballot drop boxes at secure locations.
Election transparency in Westmoreland County includes public pre-election testing of voting equipment, poll watcher access for qualified party representatives, post-election audits, and public access to election results by precinct.
Economy & Demographics
Westmoreland County's economy has transitioned from its heavy industrial past rooted in coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing to a more diversified economic base. Major employers include Excela Health (Westmoreland County's largest employer with multiple hospital campuses), Westmoreland County Community College, numerous school districts, and various healthcare facilities.
- The median household income in Westmoreland County is approximately $59,000, slightly below the Pennsylvania state average.
- Westmoreland County benefits from its proximity to Pittsburgh, with many residents commuting to the city for employment while enjoying lower housing costs.
- Arnold Palmer Regional Airport provides commercial air service and supports aviation-related business.
The manufacturing sector remains significant with companies like Kennametal in Latrobe, Elliott Group in Jeannette, and numerous smaller manufacturers producing industrial equipment, metal products, and specialty goods. Healthcare and social assistance represent the largest employment sector, followed by retail trade, manufacturing, and educational services. Tourism contributes to the local economy through attractions including Idlewild and SoakZone (America's oldest amusement park), historic sites like Fort Ligonier, Bushy Run Battlefield, and the Compass Inn Museum, plus recreational facilities at county parks.
Agriculture remains important in rural areas, with dairy farming, livestock, and crop production. The natural gas industry has brought significant activity through Marcellus Shale drilling operations. Economic development initiatives focus on technology sector growth, supporting small businesses, and using Westmoreland County's transportation infrastructure including the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Norfolk Southern rail corridors.
Recent development projects include business park expansions and downtown revitalization efforts in Greensburg and other municipalities. Unemployment rates typically track slightly higher than state averages, reflecting ongoing economic transitions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/In-Person | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: Online Resources | Overall Score: 8/10, Westmoreland County provides good digital access to court dockets, property records, and inmate information, with election resources and state business databases supplementing county services.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Westmoreland County
Explore public records for 60 cities and communities in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.