United States County Map – States, Counties and Cities

The United States is a vast nation composed of distinct political subdivisions that help manage local governance and public services. While the fifty states are the primary administrative units, the county system serves as the essential bridge between state laws and local communities. Understanding how these borders are drawn and managed provides a clear picture of American geography and administration. This guide explores the structure of United States counties, their functions, and the unique variations found across different regions.

The Structure of Local Government

Counties function as the administrative arm of the state government. Although their specific powers vary significantly depending on the location, they generally handle tasks that require consistent record-keeping and local management. In most parts of the country, a county is the level of government directly below the state and typically encompasses several cities, towns, and unincorporated areas.

The responsibilities of a county usually include managing property records, conducting elections, maintaining local roads, and operating the judicial system through county courts. Residents often interact with county departments for vital statistics, such as birth and marriage certificates, or for property tax assessments.

Explore Counties by State

Each state determines the number and authority of its counties. Below is a complete directory to explore the specific county maps, cities, and data for each state.

Regional Terminology and Variations

While “county” is the standard term used in 48 states, there are two notable exceptions rooted in historical precedents. These variations reflect the cultural heritage of the regions.

• Louisiana: This state uses the term Parish instead of county. This naming convention stems from the state’s French and Spanish colonial history, where administrative divisions were based on church parishes.
• Alaska: Due to its immense size and low population density in many areas, Alaska utilizes Boroughs. Large portions of the state that fall outside of organized boroughs are part of the “Unorganized Borough,” which acts as a single entity for census purposes but lacks a dedicated local government structure.

Example Data Structure: Delaware

To understand how county data is organized, it is helpful to look at a complete dataset. Delaware, being the “First State,” offers a concise example of how counties are seated and populated. Below is the full list of counties for Delaware with their respective seats and establishment dates.

Cities vs. Counties: The Distinction

A common point of confusion is the relationship between cities and counties. In a standard setup, cities exist within counties. Residents pay taxes to both the municipal (city) government and the county government. However, the United States features Independent Cities which are not part of any county.

Virginia is the most prominent example of this anomaly, containing the majority of the nation’s independent cities. In these cases, the city government fulfills both municipal and county-level functions. Other examples include Baltimore, Maryland; St. Louis, Missouri; and Carson City, Nevada.

Statistical Highlights of US Counties

The disparity in size and population among counties is immense. These statistics highlight the diversity of the American landscape:

1. Population Extremes: Los Angeles County in California is the most populous, boasting a population larger than many individual states. In contrast, Loving County in Texas often records a population of fewer than 100 residents.
2. Geographic Size: San Bernardino County in California is the largest by area, covering more land than the entire states of New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island combined.
3. Quantity: Texas leads the nation with 254 counties, necessitating a complex administrative network. Delaware has the fewest, with only three.