Each one of California’s 38 million residents lives within the
boundaries of one of the state’s 58 counties. California’s
counties serve a dual role. They provide a vast array of
municipal services to residents, including roads, parks, law
enforcement, emergency response services and libraries. Counties
also serve as a delivery channel for many State services, such as
foster care, public health care, jails and elections.
The basic provisions for the government of California counties
are contained in the California Constitution and the California
Government Code. A county is the largest political subdivision of
the state having corporate powers. It is vested by the
Legislature with the powers necessary to provide for the health
and welfare of the people within its borders. The specific
organizational structure of a county in California will vary from
county to county.
