Texas is divided into 254 counties, making it the state with the most counties in the United States. Each county serves as a local government unit, providing services such as law enforcement, public health, and infrastructure maintenance. The largest county by population is Harris County, which includes the city of Houston, while the largest by area is Brewster County. Counties in Texas vary widely in size, population, and geography. Some, like Travis County, are urban and densely populated, while others, such as Loving County, are rural with very few residents. Each county has its own elected officials, including a county judge and commissioners, who manage local affairs.