In 1992 the United States had 3043 counties. Louisiana is divided into 64 parishes, which are similar to counties. In a number of states, such as Connecticut, counties have virtually no governmental function. In several states, notably Virginia, one or more cities are independent of any county organization and thus constitute primary divisions of the state. In relatively heavily populated areas, communities are organized into a total of 19,296 municipalities, which include cities, towns, villages, and boroughs.
Municipalities generally provide basic services, including police, sanitation, and fire protection.
The United States had 33,131 special districts in 1992.