County Resources & Education
Learn about U.S. counties, understand demographic data, and discover how to use county information for research, business decisions, and personal planning.
Understanding Counties
Understanding County Government
Counties serve as the primary administrative division between states and municipalities, handling essential local services.
Key responsibilities include law enforcement (sheriff's office), property records, tax collection, elections, and courts.
County governments typically consist of elected commissioners or supervisors who set policy and manage budgets.
Many counties also provide health services, libraries, parks, and infrastructure maintenance.
County vs. City vs. State
States are sovereign entities with broad constitutional powers over their territory.
Counties are administrative subdivisions of states, created to deliver state services locally.
Cities and towns are incorporated municipalities within counties, with their own charters and governments.
Some areas are unincorporated, meaning they rely solely on county government for local services.
Reading Demographic Data
Population density shows how many people live per square mile, indicating urban vs rural character.
Median age reveals whether a community skews younger (often growing) or older (possibly declining).
Median household income provides insight into local economic conditions and cost of living.
Educational attainment rates correlate with economic opportunity and innovation potential.
Economic Indicators Explained
Unemployment rate measures the percentage of the labor force actively seeking but unable to find work.
Labor force participation shows what portion of working-age adults are employed or seeking employment.
Poverty rate indicates the percentage of residents living below federal poverty thresholds.
Median home values reflect both local wealth and housing affordability challenges.
Practical Guides
How to Compare Counties
- 1Start with population size - counties of similar size face similar challenges
- 2Consider geographic location - neighboring counties often share characteristics
- 3Look at economic indicators together - unemployment, income, and poverty paint a complete picture
- 4Factor in cost of living - a lower income might go further in rural areas
- 5Review demographic trends - growing vs. declining populations have different needs
Researching for Relocation
- 1Check employment rates and major industries in your field
- 2Review housing costs relative to median income
- 3Examine school ratings if you have children
- 4Look at climate data and natural disaster risks
- 5Research quality of life metrics like healthcare access and crime rates
Business Site Selection
- 1Analyze population growth trends for customer base stability
- 2Review income levels and spending power
- 3Check educational attainment for workforce quality
- 4Examine transportation infrastructure and accessibility
- 5Consider proximity to suppliers and distribution channels
Data Terms Glossary
FIPS Code
Federal Information Processing Standards code - a unique 5-digit identifier for every U.S. county, combining state code (2 digits) and county code (3 digits).
Census-Designated Place (CDP)
A concentration of population identified by the Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are unincorporated communities that lack municipal government.
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
A region with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area. MSAs include the main city and surrounding counties.
Median vs. Average
Median is the middle value when all values are sorted (half above, half below). Average (mean) is the sum divided by count. Median better represents typical values when extremes exist.
Population Density
The number of people per unit of area, typically per square mile. Calculated by dividing total population by land area, excluding water.
Labor Force
All people aged 16+ who are either employed or actively seeking employment. Excludes retirees, students, homemakers, and those unable to work.
Household
All people who occupy a housing unit. Households can be families, individuals living alone, or unrelated people sharing a residence.
Per Capita
Per person - calculated by dividing a total by the population. Per capita income, for example, is total income divided by total population.
Fascinating County Facts
Size Extremes
- •Largest by area: San Bernardino County, CA (20,105 sq mi) - bigger than Vermont and New Hampshire combined
- •Smallest by area: Arlington County, VA (26 sq mi) - essentially just a city across from Washington, D.C.
- •Most populous: Los Angeles County, CA (10+ million) - more people than 40 U.S. states
- •Least populous: Loving County, TX (64 people) - everyone could fit on a single bus
Historical Firsts
- •Oldest counties: The 'Original Shires' of Virginia, created in 1634
- •Newest county: Broomfield County, CO, created in 2001
- •Most county names honor people (2,100+), especially presidents and founding fathers
- •Native American names account for about 200 counties
Unique Characteristics
- •Louisiana has 'parishes' instead of counties, a remnant of French colonial administration
- •Alaska has 'boroughs' and large unorganized areas with no local government
- •Connecticut and Rhode Island have counties with no governmental function
- •Virginia has 38 independent cities that function as county-equivalents
Interpreting County Data
What the Numbers Mean
High Population Density (1,000+ per sq mi)
Urban or suburban area with developed infrastructure, public transit, and diverse economy
Low Population Density (<50 per sq mi)
Rural area with agricultural focus, natural resources, and tight-knit communities
Growing Population (5%+ over 5 years)
Economic opportunities, new development, but possibly rising costs and traffic
Declining Population
Often rural areas facing economic challenges, but may offer low costs and peaceful living
Context Matters
Cost of Living Variations
A $50,000 income in rural Kansas provides different lifestyle than in Silicon Valley
Regional Differences
Climate, culture, and economic base vary dramatically across regions
Urban vs Rural Services
Urban areas offer more services but higher costs; rural areas provide space but fewer amenities
Historical Trends
Look at 10-year trends to understand if current conditions are improving or declining
Ready to Explore?
Use your new knowledge to discover insights about any U.S. county. Start with your home county or explore somewhere new!