The U.S. Census Bureau has published new data tables detailing the number and types of government organizations in the United States for 2025. The release includes three tables: Government Units by State, Local Governments by Type and State, and Special District Governments by Function and State. In addition to these tables, the Census Bureau has made available the Organization Public Use File for State and Local Government Structures, which is a comprehensive database covering state and local governments along with their major agencies.
These counts are organized by characteristics such as government type, state, population size, group, and function. The data also offer detailed information about school systems, distinguishing between independent and dependent districts.
According to the Census Bureau, “The Census of Governments, which includes the Government Organization counts, collects state and local government data every five years in years ending in ‘2’ and ‘7.’ The Organization Component of the Census of Governments provides the official count of active U.S. governments. Now, in addition to the Census of Governments product series, select tables will be published annually.”
The new tables can be accessed on the Census Bureau’s website at www.census.gov/topics/public-sector/government-organization/data/tables.html. The Organization Public Use Files are also available at www.census.gov/programs-surveys/gus/data/datasets.html.
This update is provided as an informational tip sheet; no formal news release accompanies this product.
