County governments affect the lives of Americans across the country every day. The nation's 3,068 counties keep important records – like birth certificates, marriage licenses, court documents and land purchases. Counties build roads and bridges and ensure their safety. Some counties maintain parks with fields for soccer and baseball. They care for the sick, operate hospitals, pick up trash, and run courts and jails.
County governments have a variety of responsibilities, which vary from state to state. This section of the Web site provides you with a glimpse of county governments, their history and the services they provide.
NEW - Online Game - Counties Work
NACo, together with iCivics, has created an online game, "Counties Work," to educate students, grades 6 through 12, about the important role and functions of county government by letting them run their own county. A curriculum and web quest has also been developed to assist teachers with preparing lessons on county government. Click here to view the game.