Coolbaugh Township is a sprawling, diverse municipality located in northern Monroe County, Pennsylvania, known for its wooded landscapes, lakeside communities, and proximity to major Pocono attractions. It’s one of the largest and most populous townships in the county, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, recreational areas, and military infrastructure.
🗺️ Geographic & Civic Overview
Incorporated: 1794
Area: ~88 square miles (227 km²), with ~2% water coverage
Elevation: ~1,739 feet (530 m) — one of the higher elevations in Monroe County
Population: 20,805 (2020 Census)
School District: Pocono Mountain School District
🏞️ Communities & Features
Tobyhanna: A major unincorporated community within the township, often confused with Tobyhanna Township (which is separate)
Arrowhead Lake & Pocono Lake: Popular residential and vacation areas with strong short-term rental activity
Gouldsboro: Partially within township boundaries
Tobyhanna State Park: Offers hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing in a pristine forest setting
Tobyhanna Army Depot: A key employer and federal facility, also designated a Superfund site due to past contamination concerns
🏘️ Demographics & Culture
Diverse Population: Includes significant African American and Hispanic communities
Median Age: ~37.4 years
Household Size: Average of 2.95 people
Short-Term Rentals: Over 800 licensed STRs; permitted in residential zones with inspections, but not allowed in commercial or industrial zones
🛣️ Infrastructure & Governance
Roads: ~70 miles of township-maintained roads
Government: Managed by a five-member Board of Supervisors
Recent Projects: Route 196 safety improvements and STR regulation updates
🌄 Regional Identity
Coolbaugh Township is a dynamic blend of Appalachian forest heritage, military-industrial history, and modern recreational living. Its high elevation and proximity to lakes and parks make it a magnet for both full-time residents and seasonal visitors. The township’s evolving demographic and land-use patterns reflect broader shifts in Monroe County’s identity—from rural retreat to suburbanized Pocono hub.
Short Term Rental Information
Coolbaugh Township is a popular STR location as the township allows for short-term rentals in residential zoning areas with necessary permits and inspections. There are more than 800 Short-term Rental Licenses issued in the township. STR is not allowed in Commercial or Industrial zoned areas. Arrowhead Lake, Pocono Lake and other communities indicate that the practice is allowed, see Coolbaugh Township’s Short-term Rental Rules for more details. See short term rental rules and regulations below or apply here.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 005932 CIVIL 2023 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, September 26, 2024 AT 10:00 A.M.
Sheriff’s Sale OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE By virtue of a Writ of Execution issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to 818 CIVIL 2024 I, Nick Cirranello, Sheriff of Monroe County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will expose the following described real estate to be sold at a public online auction conducted by Bid4Assets, 8757 Georgia Ave., Suite 520, Silver Springs, MD 20910 on: Thursday, September 26, 2024 AT 10:00 A.M.
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE Zoning Hearing Board of Coolbaugh Township will conduct two public hearings at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal building located at 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 6:30 PM to hear the following applications: A hearing to consider an application for a variance from the dimensional standards of the Coolbaugh Township Zoning Code, Chapter 400.14(C), Attachment 2, filed by David Wengerd., the owner of the subject property.
COOLBAUGH TWP., MONROE COUNTY(WBRE/WYOU) — Police say they have charged a man after they say he struck a motorcyclist with his vehicle and left him for dead on State Route 611 last week.
Description Please be advised that Echo Lake Road in Tobyhanna will be paved on Tuesday, August 20th and Wednesday, August 21st. Please allow extra time when traveling in that area as there will be adjustments to the traffic signal as well as road crews directing traffic.
Please exercise extreme caution, and stay alert for stopped vehicles when traveling the roads in the community.
TOBYHANNA, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE,WYOU)— One man is dead after a fatal hit and run on Friday night.
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department stated that 26-year-old Anthony Rodriguez, of Mount Pocono, died after being struck by a car while riding on his motorcycle.
Police say they were dispatched just before 11:00 p.m. to the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Cayuga Drive for a serious vehicle crash.
Bystanders say a vehicle struck a motorcycle and then fled the scene.
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Work Session and Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024 will be held beginning at 6:00 PM at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Center located at 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA. To view the meeting agenda, please visit our website at: https://coolbaughtwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/082024-Public-Packet.pdf
Public Notice- Kurtz Estate ESTATE NOTICE Estate of Berthold Kurtz, also known as Berthold L. Kurtz, late of Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Public Notice- Stefura Estate ESTATE NOTICE Estate of Betty Stefura, also known as Betty Hodnicky, late of Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Description Please be advised that road paving in Coolbaugh Township has started on the following roads: Maple Street, Ross Road, Sussex Drive, Jester Court, Graham Lane, Cayuga Drive, and John’s Way.
Please be advised that road paving crews and DPW workers are in the area and we ask that you exercise extreme caution, stay alert for stopped vehicles and allow extra time when traveling the roads in the community.