Smallest county in every state

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January 30, 2021
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Smallest counties in every state

The U.S. serves as a geographical nesting doll of sorts, with hamlets and communities contained in towns and cities contained in counties contained in states. Depending on where it's located, an area might have three or four layers of local government. This setup largely makes sense, except in a few cases. Some states are so sparsely settled that geographically large counties have tiny populations while others might only cover a few square miles but hold hundreds of thousands of people. 

To see how much this varies from state to state, 麻豆原创 used population data from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau's to compile a list of the smallest counties in each state. The Census Bureau's population estimates are based on the population base, plus migration numbers, plus the births-minus-deaths total. The growth rate was determined by dividing the difference between present and past populations by the past population, using population data from

Keep reading to discover which county in your state has the smallest population鈥攁nd which state has a county with a population of just 88 residents.

Alabama: Greene County

- 2019 population: 8,324 (-8.0% change from 2010)

Eutaw is the largest city in this county in the western , known for its rich soils. The county was , a Revolutionary War hero.

Alaska: Yakutat City and Borough

- 2019 population: 649 (-2.0% change from 2010)

The small fishing village of Yakutat, which is also the borough seat, has been for hundreds of years. In their native tongue, Yakutat means "the place where canoes rest.鈥

Arizona: Greenlee County

- 2019 population: 9,522 (+12.9% change from 2010)

First settled in 1874 by , Greenlee County remains economically dependent on the mining industry. Clifton, a city near the county鈥檚 geographical center, won the honor of being its county seat.

Arkansas: Calhoun County

- 2019 population: 5,192 (+2.0% change from 2010)

This county was after Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, who served in Alabama during the War of 1813-14. However, the state senate voted to change the name to Calhoun County in 1858 to honor Vice President John C. Calhoun.

California: Alpine County

- 2019 population: 1,039 (-11.6% change from 2010)

This tiny county on the border between California and Nevada just south of Lake Tahoe has a rich history. The. Famous explorers, including John Fremont and Kit Carson, first journeyed across the Sierra Nevada mountain range through the region. It was eventually settled by prospectors looking for gold.

Colorado: San Juan County

- 2019 population: 589 (-15.7% change from 2010)

There鈥檚 only one city in San Juan County:, known for backcountry adventures in and . The county has an average elevation of 11,240 feet, which is the highest in the country.

Connecticut: Windham County

- 2019 population: 116,566 (+161.9% change from 2010)

Though Windham County is much larger than many of the counties on this list, it鈥檚 still Connecticut鈥檚 smallest. It鈥檚 also not a particularly diverse county: .

Delaware: Kent County

- 2019 population: 176,699 (+21,768.7% change from 2010)

Kent County is governed by the Levy Court, a group of seven elected commissioners from all regions of the county. The Levy Court has , when the Delaware General Assembly first established it.

Florida: Liberty County

- 2019 population: 8,345 (+256.8% change from 2010)

The oldest known residents of this county . Burial mounds and pottery remnants in the area date back to the 13th century. Still, Liberty County wasn鈥檛 formally established until 1855.

Georgia: Taliaferro County

- 2019 population: 1,611 (-6.2% change from 2010)

This 197-square-mile county in the Piedmont region of Georgia is full of rolling farmland, pastures, forests, and streams. Movie buffs might recognize Taliaferro County which was shot here.

Hawaii: Kalawao County

- 2019 population: 66 (-26.7% change from 2010)

The land that eventually became Kalawao County was first set aside as a colony for people with leprosy. This county was later absorbed into nearby Maui County.

Idaho: Clark County

- 2019 population: 913 (-7.0% change from 2010)

This county takes its name from Sam K. Clark, an. Fur trappers and explorers were its first residents.

Illinois: Hardin County

- 2019 population: 3,939 (-8.8% change from 2010)

Called "Illinois' final frontier,鈥 Hardin County is for vacationers looking to spend some time in is quiet hills and scenic river towns. The Shawnee National Forest and Ohio River are both popular attractions.

Indiana: Ohio County

- 2019 population: 5,874 (-4.1% change from 2010)

Ohio County doesn鈥檛 get its name from the Buckeye State. Instead, it got its name. The county seat also has a quirky name: Rising Sun.

Iowa: Adams County

- 2019 population: 3,670 (+56.6% change from 2010)

The county seat of Adams County was once located in the now non-existent town of Quincy. It was later .

Kansas: Greeley County

- 2019 population: 1,185 (-5.0% change from 2010)

This small county in Kansas was named for Horace Greeley, the. You might know him for the phrase, "Go west, young man.鈥

Kentucky: Robertson County

- 2019 population: 2,123 (-7.0% change from 2010)

Though this county in the bluegrass region of Kentucky is the smallest in the state by population, it鈥檚. It is best known for scenic views and rolling hills.

Louisiana: Tensas Parish

- 2019 population: 4,561 (-13.2% change from 2010)

This small parish in Louisiana gets its name from the who called this region home. The tribe existed into the 1930s, and descendants still live in the area.

Maine: Piscataquis County

- 2019 population: 16,836 (-4.0% change from 2010)

This county is about the same size as the state of Connecticut, but it has. Forests, lakes, rivers, and ponds provide countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and kayaking.

Maryland: Kent County

- 2019 population: 19,536 (+2,317.8% change from 2010)

Located on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Kent County is a big draw for fisherman, boaters, kayakers, and other nature lovers. The county is very rural, but it boasts a few charming small towns such as Chestertown, which hosts its own.

Massachusetts: Nantucket County

- 2019 population: 11,168 (+9.8% change from 2010)

This popular vacation destination for the rich and famous is also Massachusetts鈥 smallest county. , sandbars, and docks serve as the big attractions on this island.

Michigan: Keweenaw County

- 2019 population: 2,111 (-2.1% change from 2010)

The word Keweenaw means, referring to the fact that visitors must cross Portage Lake to reach the Keweenaw Peninsula. The area is known for its rich copper deposits.

Minnesota: Traverse County

- 2019 population: 3,311 (-6.9% change from 2010)

Traverse County is best known for the city that shares its name, Traverse City. Tree-lined streets, local wineries, gorgeous beaches, and a beautiful lighthouse make it .

Mississippi: Issaquena County

- 2019 population: 1,361 (-3.2% change from 2010)

Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, Issaquena County was . The name means "deer river鈥 in the language of a local Native American tribe.

Missouri: Worth County

- 2019 population: 2,027 (-6.6% change from 2010)

Worth County isn't only the least populated county in the state of Missouri, it's also the youngest. It was .

Montana: Petroleum County

- 2019 population: 453 (-8.3% change from 2010)

Petroleum County鈥檚 seat is the town of Winnett, which was . He was captured by Sioux Indians and later adopted as a member of their tribe.

Nebraska: McPherson County

- 2019 population: 395 (-26.7% change from 2010)

McPherson County was named after Civil War Union Army . The county鈥檚 largest community is .

 

 

Nevada: Esmeralda County

- 2019 population: 969 (+23.8% change from 2010)

Esmeralda County, located about, has few residents but plenty of ghost towns, historic sites, and mining communities. Gold mining and lithium production are the big industries here.

New Hampshire: Coos County

- 2019 population: 31,741 (-4.0% change from 2010)

Though Coos County is the, it鈥檚 the smallest by population. It borders Canada to the north, Vermont to the west, and Maine to the east.

New Jersey: Salem County

- 2019 population: 62,990 (-4.7% change from 2010)

The was established in Salem County in 1675. Those seeking out wildlife options will find wetlands, wooded areas, and more.

New Mexico: Harding County

- 2019 population: 441 (-36.5% change from 2010)

Cowboys, ranches, and vast swaths of wilderness define this New Mexican county. The , plains of the Kiowa National Grasslands, and dinosaur tracks at Mosquero Creek are just a few of the natural wonders found here.

New York: Hamilton County

- 2019 population: 4,515 (+67.8% change from 2010)

This small, mountainous county in northeastern New York is located . Just nine towns and one village are located in Hamilton County.

North Carolina: Tyrrell County

- 2019 population: 4,095 (-7.1% change from 2010)

Founded in 1729, Tyrrell County is one of the. Columbia is the county seat and only municipality in this county.

North Dakota: Slope County

- 2019 population: 742 (+2.1% change from 2010)

Just a few hundred people live in this tiny North Dakota county. Nearly and only 29% of residents have achieved a bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Ohio: Vinton County

- 2019 population: 13,083 (-2.6% change from 2010)

decorate this county in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio. It鈥檚 also known for art pieces on the back of barns that look exactly like stitched quilts.

Oklahoma: Cimarron County

- 2019 population: 2,174 (-12.2% change from 2010)

This county in the Oklahoma panhandle is the : Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and, of course, Oklahoma. Many dinosaur tracks, fossils, and ancient rock art have been discovered in Cimarron County.

Oregon: Wheeler County

- 2019 population: 1,415 (+73.0% change from 2010)

This county in central Oregon was , the proprietor of the first stage line in the county. The county seat also has an interesting name: Fossil. The county seat was given the name after the postmaster discovered ancient remains on his property.

Pennsylvania: Cameron County

- 2019 population: 4,611 (-9.3% change from 2010)

This natural paradise is covered in where bald eagles, elk, deer, bears, turkeys, and other wildlife roam free. Naturally, it鈥檚 a great place for hunters, fishers, and birders.

Rhode Island: Bristol County

- 2019 population: 48,764 (-2.2% change from 2010)

This county in the East Bay section of Rhode Island is best known for hosting its Annual Fourth of July Celebration鈥攖he. Quintessential New England towns in this area such as Bristol, Warren, and Barrington draw plenty of tourists every year.

South Carolina: Allendale County

- 2019 population: 9,024 (-13.4% change from 2010)

The Southern way of life is on full display in beautiful Allendale County. Fields of fluffy white cotton and juicy peaches give way to mossy oaks along the .

South Dakota: Jones County

- 2019 population: 793 (-21.2% change from 2010)

The vast majority of residents in this small county in South Dakota are . Many are also .

The 2010 census found just .

Tennessee: Pickett County

- 2019 population: 5,079 (+.0% change from 2010)

The least populated county in Tennessee sits among the mountains on the Highland Rim at. This and crystal clear waters; it's a popular destination for families and outdoorsmen.

Texas: Loving County

- 2019 population: 98 (+19.5% change from 2010)

The least populated county in the continental United States is Loving County in Texas. Located in the western corner of the state, across the border from New Mexico, Loving County was .

Utah: Daggett County

- 2019 population: 613 (-42.1% change from 2010)

Though it鈥檚 very sparsely populated, Daggett County is overflowing with stunning natural beauty. are all popular tourist destinations.

Vermont: Essex County

- 2019 population: 6,200 (-1.7% change from 2010)

This county in northeastern Vermont borders Canada to the north.  are a major draw for Essex County.

Virginia: Highland County

- 2019 population: 2,204 (-5.0% change from 2010)

Best known for the maple syrup industry and its, Highland County is a haven of peaceful country roads, beautiful sunsets, and gorgeous mountains.

Washington: Garfield County

- 2019 population: 2,230 (+84.9% change from 2010)

, this county in southeastern Washington was established in 1881. Wheat, barley, and other grain farms occupy about two-thirds of the county land.

West Virginia: Wirt County

- 2019 population: 5,798 (+1.4% change from 2010)

This county in West Virginia has just one high school, . Less than 10% of Wirt County residents go on to attain a bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Wisconsin: Florence County

- 2019 population: 4,314 (-2.5% change from 2010)

This county sits on the Upper Peninsula near the Michigan border. About to preserve the natural beauty of the county鈥檚 265 lakes and 165 miles of rivers.

Wyoming: Niobrara County

- 2019 population: 2,422 (-2.5% change from 2010)

Rolling plains watered by the Cheyenne River make up Niobrara County, an area . Homesteaders attracted by the gold rush in the Black Hills, oil and gas, and the railroad became the first settlers.

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