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.
The County Landscape
Counties are one of America’s original forms of government, dating back to 1634 when the first county governments (shires) were established in Virginia. The organization and structure of today’s 3,069 county governments are chartered under state constitutions or laws and are tailored to fit the needs and characteristics of the state and local areas.
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.
County Explorer Data
Explore your county through over 1000 indicators and nearly 100 datasets.
Explore County Data
More from Counties 101
Telling the County Story
Highlight the ways counties touch our everyday lives and act as key intergovernmental partners.
County Policy Priorities
Counties play an instrumental role in the overall public administration and governance of federal, state and local policies, programs and services. Through NACo, county advocate for priorities in federal policy making.