Which is the Smallest County in the U.S.? Check the Location, Population, Government structure and More

When we think of counties in the United States, we often imagine bustling communities, large cities, or expansive rural areas with large populations. However, there exists a county which is so small, in both land area and population, that it stands as a remarkable outlier in the American administrative landscape. Isolated by geography, shaped by history, and governed unlike any other, this county represents a rare blend of resilience and preservation. The county, which was once a home to a secluded community, now continues to preserve that legacy while functioning with minimal government structure, no elected officials, and an extremely limited population.

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What is the Name of the Smallest County in the US?

So, the county in question is Kalawao County, located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. With just 12 square miles of land and a population of only 82 people as per the 2020 census, it is the smallest county in the United States by land area and the second-smallest by population. Situated on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the north coast of Molokaʻi Island, Kalawao is physically and administratively unique, isolated by cliffs and accessible primarily by air or a historic mule trail.

Why Was Kalawao County Created?

Kalawao County has a deep historical origin. It was established in 1905 as a result of public health policies that isolated individuals suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy). From 1866 to 1969, people diagnosed with the disease were exiled to this remote peninsula to prevent the spread of infection. These individuals built lives, families, and a community in isolation. Even after effective treatments were developed, many chose to remain. The Hawaiian state government promised that the remaining residents could live there for the rest of their lives. In 1980, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park was created to preserve this community's extraordinary story.

What Makes Kalawao's Government Structure So Unusual?

Unlike other counties in the U.S., Kalawao County has no elected government. Instead, it is directly administered by the Hawaii Department of Health. According to Hawaiian law, the Director of Health also serves as the Mayor of Kalawao County and appoints a county sheriff from among the residents. Because of this unique structure, the U.S. Census Bureau does not recognize Kalawao as a county government, but rather as a dependency of the state government. Only health-related county statutes apply here, and broader civic governance is handled as part of Maui County, which encompasses the rest of Molokaʻi.

How is Kalawao County Geographically Defined?

Kalawao County spans over a total of 53 square miles, but only 12 square miles are land, and the rest is ocean. It is geographically different by the Kalaupapa Peninsula, a lava formation with cliffs more than a quarter-mile high separating it from the rest of Molokai. The county includes four traditional Hawaiian land divisions: Kalaupapa, Makanalua, Kalawao, and Waikolu. The last one is completely uninhabited.

What is the Demographic Composition of Kalawao?

As per the 2020 census, Kalawao County had a population of 82, with a high percentage of elderly residents. Historically, it has held the highest percentage of Pacific Islanders among all U.S. counties. The 2000 census showed that about 48% of its population is identified as Pacific Islander, followed by White (26%) and Asian (17%) communities. The average household size was 1.28, reflecting its demographic of single or elderly residents. As of 2024, the population is estimated to have dropped slightly to 81, with current residents including former patients, health workers, and preservation staff.

How Do People Reach This Remote County?

Reaching Kalawao is no ordinary task. The primary access points are via Kalaupapa Airport, which offers limited flights to Molokai Airport and Honolulu, and a steep 1,600 ft mule trail descending from the Molokai cliffs. Freight and large supplies are delivered just once a year by barge, typically in July. Because of its limited accessibility, visiting Kalawao County requires special permission from the Hawaii state government, and general public access is allowed only via official guided tours.

What Role Has Kalawao Played in US Politics?

Politically, Kalawao County is a Democratic stronghold, which often shows an overwhelming support for Democratic candidates in U.S. presidential elections. For example, in 2020, Joe Biden received 96% of the vote, the highest for any county in the nation. On the other hand, Donald Trump finished third in 2016, earning just one vote, while Green Party candidate Jill Stein received a surprising 25%, making Kalawao her strongest-performing county. However, the county has shown social conservatism, as seen in 2024, when it was the only county in Hawaii to vote against a constitutional amendment repealing a same-sex marriage ban.

How Is Education Managed in Kalawao?

The county falls under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Education, though due to the small and limited population, there are currently no active schools operating within Kalawao. Education-related services, if needed, are coordinated with the larger Maui County system or through state-directed programs.

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Conclusion

So, Kalawao County is more than just the smallest county in America; it is a living historical site, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder of how society once handled disease, exile, and community.