Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in North Dakota
How local government works in North Dakota, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse North Dakota’s Local Wiki pages below.
North Dakota's 53 counties are governed by an elected Board of County Commissioners (three or five members) holding combined legislative and executive power. The County Auditor keeps commission records and administers elections, and the County Recorder records deeds. Much of rural North Dakota also has organized civil townships — small elected boards that handle local roads — beneath the county. For a meeting or records, the County Auditor's office is the usual starting point.
Local government in North Dakota
- County governments53
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages355
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - Townships1,303
Township governments beneath the county, often handling local roads and assistance.
- School districts173
Independent school districts with their own elected boards. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts683
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.
Continue your own research