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.
ESTATE NOTICE Estate of Mary E. Kerrick , late of Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County County, PA. Any person or persons having claim against or indebted to estate present same to Administrator John E. Kerrick 2901 Locust Ridge Road Pocono Lake, PA 18347 Samuel A. Falcone, Jr., Esq. 900 Rutter Avenue, Suite 24 Forty Fort, PA 18704 November 7,14,21 2025 LSOM0402323
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 5985 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, December 4, 2025 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 5960 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, December 4, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
Join us at the Tobyhanna Station for our Christmas Open House on December 13, 2025, from 5pm–7pm! Enjoy a magical evening with a festive tree lighting ceremony at 6pm, plus complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Fun for the whole family!
Location: 1619 Church Street, Tobyhanna, PA. Don’t miss out on this special holiday event—everyone is welcome!
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Zoning Hearing Board of Coolbaugh Township will conduct two public hearings on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal building located at 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvania, 18466.
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Budget Meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025 will be held beginning at 6:30 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/2025/11/110625-Budget-Meeting-Agenda.pdf
Description Head over to VFW Post 509 (1917 Goodwin Street, Tobyhanna, PA) for the Annual Election Day Meal Specials! On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11am to 6pm, enjoy a delicious Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner for a $10 donation, or grab a Meatball Sandwich with Chips for just $8. Support your local veterans and enjoy great food—see you there!
TOBYHANNA, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Attorney General's Office is charging a man who they say had at least 1,000 files of child sexual abuse material. According to Attorney General Dave Sunday, 54-year-old Marc Villanti is charged with more than 1,000 felonies after a search warrant was served at his Tobyhanna home. Investigators stated that [...]
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Regular Meeting scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025 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/2025/10/110325-Public-Packet.pdf
Description 👻Get ready for a spooktacular evening! Trick or Treat in Coolbaugh Township is happening today (October 31st) from 5pm to 8pm. Put on your costumes, grab your candy bags, and join in the fun around your neighborhood! Happy Halloween!!🎃
Description The Pocono Mountain Ecumenical Hunger Ministry Food Pantry Registration Forms will be available to be picked up TODAY (Thursday, October 30, 2025) from 4pm-5pm at 5570 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna, PA 18466. This will be for paperwork pickup only, no applications will be accepted today. Representatives will be located at the front of the Building during this time, please drive up and a form will be provided to you. Please see the attached social media post for more information.
United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Community Services
410 Olive St. Scranton, PA 18509: Angel’s Attic food pantry is currently open Monday-Friday 9am- 5pm. Households of any size can come and receive a bag, as needed (1 per day maximum).
PA 75 3802D1II - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - SCHEDULE II (M) PA 75 3802D2 - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(S) - GENERAL IMPAIRMENT (M) PA 35 780-113 A16 - POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (1 COUNT) 35 780-113(A)(32) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
Description Ghoulbaugh is happening today, Saturday, October 25th, 1–3 PM at Coolbaugh Township Municipal Park, located at 1770 Church St., Tobyhanna. This free event by the Coolbaugh Township Parks and Recreation features fun activities like a pumpkin patch, candy from local non-profits, and hayrides. We can't wait to see everyone at the Park!!
Following that, the township will host Trick or Treat Night on Friday, October 31st from 5–8 PM. Please be sure to wear visible costumes for safety during Halloween festivities.
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Work Session and Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 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/2025/10/102125-Public-Packet.pdf
East Stroudsburg University’s Department of Theatre will present Molière’s timeless satirical masterpiece, Tartuffe. The cast of students, directed by Jason Narvy, Ph.D., will welcome audiences Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, October 26.
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Budget Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 will be held beginning at 6:30 PM at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Center located at 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA. To view the meeting agenda, please visit our website at: http://coolbaughtwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/101625-Budget-Work-Session-Agenda.pdf
Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors announced that Trick or Treat in Coolbaugh Township will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Publication Dates LSOM0385928
Description The Coolbaugh Township Planning Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 6:30pm has been canceled. The Planning Commission will hold their next meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025 (due to November 11th being a holiday) at 6:30pm.
Description VFW Post 509 will be hosting Cheesesteak night today, Friday, October 10, 2025 from 3:30 to 6:30pm at the Post located at 1917 Goodwin Street, Tobyhanna. Cheesesteaks are $8.00 each and are sold with or without cheese and sauce. Takeout is available. Please see the attached flyer and direct all questions, directly to the Post.
(1 COUNT) ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILDREN (F3) (1 COUNT) RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING ANOTHER PERSON (M2) (1 COUNT) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL (M) (1 COUNT) PUBLIC INTOXICATION (S)