Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in Missouri
How local government works in Missouri, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse Missouri’s Local Wiki pages below.
The large majority of Missouri's 114 counties (109 of them) are run by a three-member County Commission (a presiding commissioner plus two associate commissioners) holding combined legislative and executive authority. Five of the state's most populous counties have adopted charter home-rule government: Jackson, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis Counties each have a separately elected County Executive alongside an elected council, while Clay County restructured in 2020 and still uses the commission form. For most Missouri residents, the county commission is the right point of contact for a public meeting or records request.
Local government in Missouri
- County governments114
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages935
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - Townships283
Township governments beneath the county, often handling local roads and assistance.
- School districts529
Independent school districts, plus 1 school system run by a county, city, or town government. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts1,923
Single-purpose governments — fire, water, library, parks, housing, transit, and more.
Counts: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments — Government Units listing. A consolidated city-county is counted once.
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