Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in North Carolina
How local government works in North Carolina, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse North Carolina’s Local Wiki pages below.
All 100 North Carolina counties are governed by an elected Board of County Commissioners holding combined legislative and executive authority, and every county has hired a professional County Manager to run day-to-day administration — but the manager serves at the board's pleasure and isn't independently elected, so this still fits the standard commission pattern. For a public meeting, check the county commissioners' published agenda; for records requests, contact the clerk to the board or the relevant county department.
Local government in North Carolina
- County governments100
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages552
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - School districts0
Independent school districts, plus 174 school systems run by a county, city, or town government. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts313
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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