Why does Kentucky have 120 counties, when Virginia (close is shape and area) has only 95?

Question

It's always a question in the mind of a Kentuckian as to why there are 120 seemingly useless counties, when Virginia, very close in shape and area, has 25 less? Even Tennessee has has only 95. We are third behind Georgia's 159 and Texas's 254, and Georgia is smaller than Kentucky! Any insight on this geographical conundrum?

Answer 1

California's much bigger and only has 58.  It's probably geo-historical like based on where people lived + physical features. There's also a political component, namely counties seperating or joining together over time. For example California started with only 18 proposed and had 27 a few months later.

Answer 2

generally, the further west you go, the bigger the counties are, but it's all based on the politics and history of each state.

BTW, it has been a long, long time since AZ has only had 4 counties

Answer 3

The counties are small.

Answer 4

Arizona has 4.  I have often wondered this as well.  It seems better to consolidate most of them.  Think about it that would be a lot less aldermen, county executives, etc.  We could cut government spending.