Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in Texas
How local government works in Texas, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse Texas’s Local Wiki pages below.
Texas's 254 counties are each governed by a Commissioners Court — four commissioners elected from precincts plus a County Judge elected countywide who presides and votes — holding combined legislative and executive power over the county budget, tax rate, and roads. Despite the title, the County Judge's role is mainly administrative in most counties. The elected County Clerk keeps the court's minutes and records deeds; in most counties the County Judge is also the default officer for public-information requests. For a meeting, check the Commissioners Court agenda; for records, start with the County Clerk.
Local government in Texas
- County governments254
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages1,223
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - School districts1,070
Independent school districts, plus 9 school systems run by a county, city, or town government. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts2,938
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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