Counties of the United States

Counties of the United States

The counties of the United States are administrative or political subdivisions of a state that provide certain local governmental services. The concept of counties is rooted in the English system of shires, and they serve as a level of government below the state. The number, size, and function of counties vary significantly from state to state.

History

The concept of counties in the United States dates back to the colonial period. The first county was established in Virginia in 1634. As the nation expanded westward, new counties were created to accommodate the growing population and the need for local governance.

Structure and Function

Counties serve various functions, including law enforcement, judicial administration, public health, and infrastructure maintenance. The specific responsibilities of counties can vary widely depending on the state. In some states, counties have significant power and autonomy, while in others, their role is more limited.

County Government

County governments typically consist of an elected board of commissioners or supervisors, a sheriff, a district attorney, and other officials. The structure of county government can vary:

• Commission System: A board of commissioners exercises both legislative and executive powers.
• Council-Executive System: An elected executive oversees the administration, while a council handles legislative functions.
• Council-Manager System: A professional manager is appointed to handle administrative functions, while the council retains legislative authority.

Variations by State

The role and structure of counties can differ significantly across the United States:

• In Louisiana, counties are called parishes.
• In Alaska, they are known as boroughs.
• Some states, like Connecticut and Rhode Island, have limited county government functions, with most local governance handled by cities and towns.

Largest and Smallest Counties

The size and population of counties can vary greatly:

• The largest county by area is San Bernardino County, California, covering over 20,000 square miles.
• The smallest county by area is Kalawao County, Hawaii, with an area of just 53 square miles.
• The most populous county is Los Angeles County, California, with over 10 million residents.
• The least populous county is Loving County, Texas, with fewer than 100 residents.

County Seats

Each county has a designated county seat, which is the administrative center where the county government is located. The county seat often hosts the county courthouse and other government offices.

See Also

• List of counties in the United States
• Local government in the United States
• State governments of the United States

References

• "County Government Structure: A State by State Report." National Association of Counties.
• "The Evolution of County Government in the United States." American Historical Review.