An illustration of a young person with dark brown skin and long wavy black hair, wearing a light pink top and gold hoop earrings, set against a dark blue circular background. Used as a decorative representation of a county commissioner.

There are approximately 37,984 elected county commissioners, board members, and county executives serving in 3,069 county governments across the U.S. County commissioners (sometimes called county council members) oversee local governance in many states.

The scope of counties varies widely:

  • Texas has the most counties, with 254.

  • Hawaii and Delaware each have 3.

  • Connecticut and Rhode Island function as both counties and states.

County commissioners are typically responsible for administering county government services, managing budgets, and working closely with state and federal agencies to represent their community’s interests.

 

Responsibilities

County commissioners handle a broad range of administrative and oversight duties, which often include:

  • Managing large county budgets and allocating resources

  • Overseeing departments and staff that handle services such as:

    • Infrastructure (roads, bridges)

    • Public health and social services

    • Parks and recreation

    • Emergency management and public safety

    • Libraries, animal control, and even zoos in some areas

  • Representing the county in state and federal matters

  • Holding public meetings to discuss and address community needs

In many regions, counties cover large geographic areas—sometimes even larger than congressional districts—making this a complex and impactful role.

 

Helpful Skills

If you’re considering county commissioner service, here are valuable traits:

  • Community Engagement: Strong ties to local residents and familiarity with community challenges

  • Management & Budgeting: Experience overseeing teams and working with large budgets

  • Communication: Public speaking skills and the ability to listen to and address constituent concerns

  • Flexibility: Willingness to travel within the county and engage with diverse groups

Commissioners come from all walks of life: teachers, farmers, retired law enforcement officers, business owners, and community organizers are just some of the people who have served.

Back to Guide
County Clerk