Why Eastern US Counties are Typically Smaller than Their Western Counterparts
The size of counties in the United States can vary dramatically, with counties in the eastern states usually being smaller than their counterparts in the west. This difference is not just a result of geographic constructs but also a reflection of political and historical factors. Understanding why this discrepancy exists involves examining the roles and design of counties in the US, along with the transportation methods available at different times and population densities in various regions.
Counties as Political and Geographic Entities
A county in the United States serves a dual purpose—it is both a geographic and political entity. Its primary role is to govern and legislate laws that affect the population that inhabits it. For counties to function effectively, they must be designed to accommodate the needs of the people who live within their borders, as well as the land they encompass.
A notable example of a county that was established and quickly dissolved is Bullfrog County, Nevada. This county was created but disbanded almost immediately due to the absence of human inhabitants. This example underscores the importance of considering the human populace when designating a county’s boundaries.
Influence of Population Density
One of the primary factors that contribute to the size difference between eastern and western counties is the population density. Eastern states generally have a higher population density compared to western states. In Eastern US, there are fewer sparsely populated areas, which caters to the smaller county sizes.
For instance, the largest county in the US by area is San Bernardino, California, established in 1853. Despite its vast land area, it only had a population of 5,551 in 1860. Today, San Bernardino has more than 2 million residents, making it the 12th most populous county. However, even with its significant population growth, this county remains large due to low population density in the western region.
Historical and Transportation Factors
The size of counties in the western states is also influenced by historical and transportation factors. In the days when horses were still the primary mode of travel, it was deemed appropriate for a farmer to be able to ride to the county seat, conduct business, and return home before sundown. For eastern states, counties were generally designed to be smaller and more manageable.
In contrast, many western states have expansive, unpopulated areas, and the county seat was usually the location with the highest concentration of residents. During the time county lines were drawn in the western states, horses were still the main means of transportation.
Examples and Contemporary Context
A strong example is San Bernardino County, which is almost the size of half of Pennsylvania or two-thirds the size of Indiana, with an area of 20,926 square miles. This vast land is home to more than 2 million residents today, but several other top 14 counties with low populations are under 100,000 residents. Maricopa County in Arizona, due to the phenomenal growth of Phoenix, is the sole exception, being large in both population and area.
Other counties in California, such as San Bernardino, are similarly vast, highlighting the historical context of county design. Horses were the primary means of transportation at the time, so counties were not designed to span large distances.
Conclusion
The size disparity between eastern and western US counties is a reflection of historical factors, population density, and the mode of transportation at the time of their formation. Counties have evolved to meet the needs of their inhabitants and the geography of their regions, making regions like eastern states smaller and more densely populated, while western states often contain larger, less densely populated counties.
By understanding the design principles of counties and the historical context, we can better appreciate the complex interplay of geography and policy in shaping the modern US county system.