Counties 101
Learn how counties are on the front lines, delivering vital services for our residents.
BY THE NUMBERS
No two counties are exactly the same. Counties are diverse in structure and how we deliver services to our communities. Though organizational structures vary, all county, parish and borough governments are on the front lines of delivering vital services to residents.
19,355
Elected county board members and executives
18,629
Independently elected officials
Including elected constitutional officials or row officers
37,984
Total county elected officials
Including county board members, executives and row officers
Stronger Counties. Stronger America.
Counties Matter
Counties are so present in our everyday lives that we sometimes overlook the many ways they help our communities thrive. Often behind the scenes, 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees are responsible for maintaining roads and bridges, caring for our physical and mental health, administering our elections, ensuring public safety, strengthening environmental stewardship, and so much more.
Policy Priorities
The American County Platform
NACo supports federal policies and programs that equip county governments with the resources and flexibility needed to effectively serve our residents.
Learn about current policy positions and access our latest policy resources.
How Counties Work
Dive deep on counties. Explore our latest research and reports on how counties work.
County Governance Project
A comprehensive guide to county government structure, authority, services and finances.
Governing on the Ground
Governing on the Ground is an inside look at the complex challenges faced by officials as they strive to strengthen their communities. The book features 30 short chapters contributed by county leaders.
Explore County Data
NACo's County Explorer online interactive tool aggregates more than 800 data points on counties, parishes and boroughs, helping you tell the county story, support projects and grant proposals, and build credibility with key stakeholders.
NACo Achievement Awards
The Achievement Awards is a non-competitive awards program recognizing innovative county government programs. Award-winning programs are featured in NACo content and celebrated at NACo's Annual Conference.
Telling the County Story
National County Government Month
Held each April, NCGM is an annual celebration of county government. NACo equips counties with template materials, social media graphics, and more resources to kick off the month of recognition.
Counties Work Game & Curriculum
NACo, together with iCivics, has created an online game and curriculum to educate students grade levels 6-12 about the important role and functions of county government.
I Love My County Because Art Contest
The art contest is designed to bolster civic education and educate communities on the role of county government.