Erie County, PA Property Records

    With a population of over 266,000, Erie County ranks 16th among Pennsylvania's counties by size of population. It is the largest county in the state by total area, encompassing 1,558 square miles, though its land area measures about 799 square miles. The average home value in Erie County stands at $193,250 up 6.1% from previous years and significantly below Pennsylvania's median sales price of $275,155.

    Erie County's housing market is marked by affordability compared to regional norms, alongside competitive conditions driven by rising prices and reduced inventory. Homes in the county typically go under contract within 18 days, and about 34.1% sell above the asking price. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, approximately 32% of households spend at least 30% of their income on housing in Webb County.

    In Erie County, Pennsylvania, property record management is centralized under county jurisdiction. Distinct offices handle specific responsibilities such as property assessments, parcel tracking, and tax documentation. Comprehensive research typically involves coordination with multiple offices to access all relevant records.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    In Erie County, Pennsylvania, property and land records are managed under a county-administered system that applies to all municipalities and unincorporated areas. The Clerk of Records oversees these records through the Recorder of Deeds division. Public access is provided through the Infocon County Access System, which supports searches by various criteria including name and date range. Individuals may also obtain services in person at the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 121, Erie, PA 16501, or by contacting the Recorder of Deeds office at (814) 451-6246 or (814) 451-6250.

    What Erie County Property Records Include

    Erie County property records serve as official documentation of real estate activity within the county. They provide a public record of ownership history, financial encumbrances, and legal land descriptions. These records encompass deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, surveys, and powers of attorney.

    Erie County, along with the rest of Pennsylvania, follows a recorded land title system in which ownership priority is established by the date and time a document is recorded. Deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, and easements are entered chronologically and assigned either a Book and Page reference (commonly called a “Liber”) or a unique Instrument Number. The county's land record system is organized through indexing by Grantor (seller/borrower) and Grantee (buyer/lender). A search can also be conducted by document type, recording date, or consideration amount. All land records are public and accessible to anyone. Modern records and indexes are available electronically, with digitized deed indexes extending back several decades. Records not yet digitized remain in bound volumes or on microfilm at the Erie County Courthouse.

    How to Access Erie County Property Records

    In Erie County, property records are available through multiple access points. These include official online portals, in-person requests at county offices, and other designated methods.

    Online Access (Free)

    Erie County property records are available online through the Infocon County Access System, which provides access to current land record indexes and images. The system supports both a basic search, using a tab-based format for individual criteria, and an advanced search, which allows users to refine results by name, date range, document type, book and page, and instrument number on a single screen.

    While anyone can search the index and view document details at no cost, access to document images is restricted. Viewing, saving, or printing images requires account registration, and fees apply for obtaining official copies.

    In Person

    Property records in Erie County can be obtained at the Recorder of Deeds office, located in Room 121 of the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may conduct independent searches at no cost using available terminals. Requests for copies may be made on-site or by mail, and more complex requests may necessitate the use of a Right-to-Know Request Form. Copying and search services are subject to applicable fees.

    By Phone or Email

    The Erie County Clerk of Records (814-451-6250) and the Recorder of Deeds (814-451-6246) are available to answer general questions and provide guidance on accessing property records. While staff can assist with inquiries, formal requests for records are processed only through in-person visits, mailed applications, or online submission.

    By Mail/Overnight

    In Erie County, Pennsylvania, original documents may be submitted by mail to the Recorder of Deeds at 140 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16501. Submissions must comply with formatting requirements, including a minimum one-inch margin and the presence of a Uniform Parcel Identifier (UPI) number, and must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.

    The recording fee for deeds and mortgages is $86.00, covering up to four pages and names. Each additional page beyond four incurs a $2.00 fee, and a $0.50 fee is required for names exceeding four in total. A UPI stamp fee of $10.00 per parcel may also apply. Other instruments, such as releases or assignments, generally begin at $58.75.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    The Clerk of Records—Recorder of Deeds in Erie County, Pennsylvania, supports electronic recording of land records. Deeds, mortgages, and similar documents can be submitted online, allowing users to retain their original paperwork. Recorded images are accessible via the Infocon County Access System. Erie County also provides the public with a list of approved e-recording providers on the Recorder of Deeds website.

    What's Not at the Recorder's Office (But Matters for Property Research)

    In Erie County, the Clerk of Records—Recorder of Deeds serves as the custodian of deeds, mortgages, liens, and related land documents. Comprehensive property research requires additional sources beyond this office. The Erie County Assessment Office maintains records on property values, building characteristics, and property record cards. Tax payment and delinquency information is overseen by the Erie County Revenue and Tax Claim Bureau. For statewide property tax data, including rebate programs and certified tax rates, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue provides centralized information.

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    Deeds and other officially recorded documents from Erie County are available online. Users may obtain them by completing the following steps:

    • The Infocon County Access System provides the official online portal for public access to records maintained by the Erie County Recorder of Deeds.

    • Individuals may select from available search criteria, such as party name (grantor/grantee), document type, date range, book and page, or instrument number.

    • It is required to provide the necessary information for the chosen search method. Results may be further refined by combining multiple fields, such as selecting a document type within a specified date range.

    • Images of documents recorded from 1990 onward are typically accessible to Registered Users. While index details can be viewed free of charge, downloading images or requesting certified copies may require payment.

    Cities & Towns in Erie County (and Their Record Custodians)

    The Erie County Clerk of Records serves as the official custodian of recorded documents in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Established under the county's Home Rule Charter, the office consolidates the responsibilities of the Recorder of Deeds, Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, and Register of Wills. Acting as the central repository, it reviews and records land records for all 38 municipalities within Erie County. The municipalities served include:

    • Corry

    • Erie

    • Albion

    • Cranesville

    • Edinboro

    • Elgin

    • Fairview

    • Girard

    • Lake City

    • McKean

    • Mill Village

    • North East

    • Platea

    • Union City

    • Waterford

    • Wattsburg

    • Wesleyville

    • Amity

    • Concord

    • Conneaut

    • Elk Creek

    • Franklin

    • Greene

    • Greenfield

    • Harborcreek

    • Lawrence Park

    • LeBoeuf

    • Millcreek

    • Springfield

    • Summit

    • Union

    • Venango

    • Washington

    • Wayne

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    Property assessments and tax records in Erie County, Pennsylvania are administered by the Erie County Assessment Bureau and the Tax Claim Bureau. Both offices maintain digital tools for searching property information by parcel number or address:

    The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue administers statewide tax programs. While local governments collect real estate taxes, the state offers property-related relief and data through myPATH, its primary tax portal, which includes the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Additionally, the Department publishes property tax data covering realty transfer taxes and statewide tax rate structures.

    Erie County-Specific Nuances

    Certain characteristics specific to Erie County may play a role in property research outcomes:

    • In Erie County, property-related functions are divided among specialized offices under the Clerk of Records. The Assessment Bureau oversees property valuations and administers tax programs. Conversely, the Tax Claim Bureau is responsible for collecting delinquent property taxes.

    • A uniform 14-digit parcel number is assigned to each property, serving as the central identifier across county departments. This identifier serves as the primary key for the Erie County property tax search. It links assessment information with tax billing and geographic mapping through the Erie County GIS system (On-Map).

    • Land records and indexes are available online through the Infocon County Access System. Although basic property and tax information is freely available, access to detailed images or historical records generally requires a subscription or an in-person search at the courthouse for a fee.

    • Municipal governments, including the City of Erie, boroughs, and townships, exercise jurisdiction over zoning, land use, and building permits. Information about local ordinances or neighborhood-specific assessments must be obtained from the appropriate municipal clerk's office.

    Typical Contents of an Erie County Property Record

    Erie County property records consist of official documents maintained by county bureaus that document land ownership, property valuation, financial encumbrances, and physical characteristics. Some of the information typically found in Erie County property records includes:

    • Deeds

      • Grantor and grantee names (seller and buyer)

      • The property's legal description (lot, block, metes and bounds)

      • Consideration amount (the purchase price or nominal value)

      • Prior Book and Page References (links to earlier transactions)

      • The type of deed (special warranty deed, general warranty deed, quitclaim deed, trustee deed, and executor deed)

    • Mortgages and Discharges

      • Lender and borrower names

      • Principal loan amount

      • Mortgage book and page reference

      • Satisfaction or release of mortgage (when paid off)

      • Assignments (if the mortgage is transferred to another lender)

    • Plans and Plats

      • Survey or plan numbers

      • Subdivision names and plat book/page references

      • Lot and block identifiers

      • Site plans or boundary surveys (when recorded)

      • Condominium declarations and amendments

    • Encumbrances and Legal Notices

      • Easements (utility, access, drainage, etc.)

      • Lis pendens (notice of pending litigation)

      • Restrictive covenants (HOA rules, land use limitations)

      • Foreclosure filings

      • Tax or judgment liens

      • Code enforcement liens and special assessments

    Key additional documents found in Erie County records include powers of attorney, notices of commencement, Uniform Financial Code filings, affidavits of value, mechanic liens, and waivers.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    All deeds, mortgages, lien satisfactions, assignments, releases, and other title-related documents in Erie County, Pennsylvania, must be recorded with the Erie County Recorder of Deeds. Recording can be completed in person at the Erie County Courthouse, 140 West Sixth Street, Room 121, Erie, PA 16501, during office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Documents may also be submitted by mail to the same courthouse address or electronically through authorized eRecording vendors, including Simplifile and CSC. Detailed information on recording procedures, applicable fees, and submission guidelines is available on the Recorder of Deeds (Land Records) official webpage.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    The following checklist provides a structured approach to researching property in Erie County:

    • Contact the Erie County Recorder of Deeds. Records can be searched via the Infocon County Access System by name, document type, and date range. Older records may require an in-person visit to the courthouse or an Online Request Form.

    • Individuals should take note of key identifiers. This includes instrument number, book and page number, and recording date. These are required to trace ownership and locate filings in the land records system.

    • Trace the chain of title. This may be done by reviewing the grantor and grantee indices. Individuals need to verify each transfer by checking prior deed references to ensure ownership continuity and identify any gaps or issues in the recorded history.

    • Verify parcel data through the Erie County Assessment Bureau. Use the Property and Tax Records Search to cross-check parcel identification numbers (PIN), assessed values, land details, and recent tax history.

    Appendix A — Municipalities in Erie County

    Erie County is made up of 38 municipalities* (2 cities, 14 boroughs, and 22 townships). The county also includes several census-designated places and unincorporated communities**.

    • Cities: Erie (county seat) and Corry

    • Boroughs: Albion, Cranesville, Edinboro, Elgin, Girard, Lake City, McKean, Mill Village, North East, Platea, Union City, Waterford, Wattsburg, and Wesleyville.

    • Townships: Amity, Concord, Conneaut, Elk Creek, Fairview, Franklin, Girard, Greene, Greenfield, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, LeBoeuf, McKean, Millcreek, North East, Springfield, Summit, Union, Venango, Washington, Waterford, and Wayne.

    *Complete list of municipalities in Erie County and their dates of incorporation. (Pennsylvania State Archives).

    **Census-designated places and unincorporated communities are areas of settlement without formal municipal governance. (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B — Key Contacts & Portals

    • Erie County Clerk of Records

      • Recorder of Deeds (Land Records):

    • Erie County Assessment Office

      • Address: Erie County Courthouse, 140 W. 6th Street, Room 104, Erie, PA 16501.

      • Phone: (814) 451-6225.

    • Erie County Revenue and Tax Claim Bureau

      • Address: Erie County Courthouse, 140 W. 6th Street, Room 110, Erie, PA 16501.

      • Phone: (814) 451-6206.

    • Erie County Tax Collector Information

      • Local Tax Collector list: In Pennsylvania, individual municipalities often have their own elected tax collectors for current-year property taxes.

    • Pennsylvania Department of Revenue