04-02-2026, 07:07 AM
Local governments in the United States employ over 20 million people—nearly seven times the federal workforce—and spend more than $2T annually. These governments are responsible for everything, including K-12 education, roads, police and fire protection, and water and other local utility services.
Unlike the federal government and the states, local governments lack inherent constitutional authority. Because of this, they operate at the discretion of state legislatures and vary widely in structure—and in some states, a legislature could technically dissolve all of its cities overnight.
The 2022 Census of Governments counted 90,837 local government units across the country, which include 3,031 counties, 35,705 townships and municipalities, 12,546 independent school districts, and 39,555 special-purpose governments. Despite their significance, local elections consistently have the lowest voter turnout of any level of government, typically below 15%.
Unlike the federal government and the states, local governments lack inherent constitutional authority. Because of this, they operate at the discretion of state legislatures and vary widely in structure—and in some states, a legislature could technically dissolve all of its cities overnight.
The 2022 Census of Governments counted 90,837 local government units across the country, which include 3,031 counties, 35,705 townships and municipalities, 12,546 independent school districts, and 39,555 special-purpose governments. Despite their significance, local elections consistently have the lowest voter turnout of any level of government, typically below 15%.
