Counties raise over $775 billion each year to provide a wide array of services to over 300 million county residents throughout the U.S. Operating
within the diverse legal frameworks each state imposes to regulate county and municipal revenue generation, county governments generate over two-thirds of our revenue, whether from local taxes, charges for services or other sources, which we invest in key service areas from public health and human services to justice, public safety and infrastructure

Download Report

Tagged In:

The County Landscape Project

County landscape

The County Landscape Project: Maps and Stats

Counties are vital to the foundation of our communities, helping shape the places where we live, work and thrive. From maintaining critical infrastructure and delivering essential public services to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety, county governments play a pivotal role in the daily lives of millions of Americans.

Colonial Map

The County Landscape Project: A Primer on Our History, Definitions, Structures and Authorities

An in-depth look into the history of counties, our authority and structure, key county services and responsibilities and the intergovernmental partnership

Construction

The County Landscape Project: Service Provision and the Public Workforce

Counties are vital to the foundation of our communities, helping shape the places where we live, work and thrive. From maintaining critical infrastructure and delivering essential public services to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety, county governments play a pivotal role in the daily lives of millions of Americans.

Woman at voting booth

The County Landscape Project: An Overview of County-Level Election Administration

From voter registration to the final count, county governments are the foundation upon which free and fair elections stand. NACo's research brief examines the scope of responsibilities, variations in local election systems and canvassing procedures, and funding for election costs. 

Related News

Isometric business woman working on rising arrow
Press Release

National Association of Counties and cashVest by three+one Announce $1.3 Billion in New Revenue for Public Agencies in 2024

NACo and cashVest by three+one today announced their collaborative efforts generated over $1.3 billion in new revenue for public entities in 2024, while simultaneously saving them millions in bank fees. This achievement highlights the impact of untapped sources of revenue, providing essential financial stability during uncertain times.

THE_County Countdown_working_image-4.png
Advocacy

County Countdown – March 25, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features budget reconciliation, FY 2025 funding and more.

Image of Capitol-spring.jpg
Advocacy

Congress passes “full-year” Continuing Resolution through September 30, 2025

On March 14, the U.S. Senate voted  to pass the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 to further extend appropriations and avert a government shutdown through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 on September 30.