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 education. 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 resources. They are governed by elected officials, including a county judge and commissioners. This structure allows for local governance that can address the unique needs of each community within the diverse landscape of Texas.