<Tr> <Td_colspan="4"> Totals </Td> <Td> 8,969,226 </Td> <Td> 100.00% </Td> <Td> 38 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="6"> Voter turnout (voting age population) </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> <P> Texas has 254 counties--the most nationwide . Each county runs on Commissioners' Court system consisting of four elected commissioners (one from each of four precincts in the county, roughly divided according to population) and a county judge elected at large from the entire county . County government runs similar to a "weak" mayor - council system; the county judge has no veto authority, but votes along with the other commissioners . </P> <P> Although Texas permits cities and counties to enter "interlocal agreements" to share services, the state does not allow consolidated city - county governments, nor does it have metropolitan governments . Counties are not granted home rule status; their powers are strictly defined by state law . The state does not have townships--areas within a county are either incorporated or unincorporated . Incorporated areas are part of a municipality . The county provides limited services to unincorporated areas and to some smaller incorporated areas . Municipalities are classified either "general law" cities or "home rule". A municipality may elect home rule status once it exceeds 5,000 population with voter approval . </P>

Where does texas rank among the states as far as number of counties is concerned