County’s or Counties’ or Counties?

The word county’s is the singular possessive form of county. For instance, “The county’s population has grown significantly in the last decade.” Additionally, counties’ is the plural possessive form, as in “Counties’ budgets are being allocated for infrastructure improvements.” Moreover, counties is the standard plural form of county.

Firstly, the following table displays the different forms of the word county. As you can see from the table,  an apostrophe is needed for the singular and plural possessive forms.

Form	Example
Singular	County
Plural	Counties
Singular Possessive	County’s
Plural possessive	Counties’

Secondly, the following sentences show  how you can use  the different forms of county in a sentence:

Singular: Each county in the state has its own unique charm.

Plural: The infrastructure projects across the various counties are progressing well.

Singular possessive: The county’s sheriff department is implementing new policies.

Plural possessive: Most counties’ emergency services are well-equipped for disasters.

Please continue reading to learn more about using the plural and possessive forms of the term county.

County’s

The word county’s is the singular possessive form of county. Hence, it is used when indicating something belonging to one specific county. Note that  an apostrophe and  s are added to form the singular possessive

Moreover, when something “belongs” to a county, it could be a physical entity or a person.

• The county’s courthouse is a historical landmark in the region.
• The county’s population is diverse and vibrant.

Alternatively, it could denote a position on an issue or something intangible, such as a policy or reputation.

• The county’s stance on environmental conservation is commendable.
• The county’s reputation for efficient governance precedes it.

Counties’

The term counties’, with an apostrophe at the end of the word, is the plural possessive form of the word county. Thus, it is used when referring to something that belongs to multiple counties. Note that here, to form the plural possessive, you will remove y and add -ies’

Below, you can find examples of counties’ in sentences.

Firstly, you will observe references to physical nouns, as shown in these examples:

• Each counties’ school district has its own curriculum guidelines.
• Both counties’ public transport systems are undergoing upgrades.

Secondly, counties’ can indicate non-tangible nouns, such as policies or economic indicators, belonging to a group of counties.

• Rural counties’ economic development plans prioritize agriculture and tourism.
• Counties’ responses to public health emergencies vary depending on resources and leadership.

Counties

The word counties is the plural version of county. Therefore, it is used in non-possessive sentences when referring to two or more counties.  No need to add apostrophes here.

Furthermore, when using the term counties, it could refer to a specific number of counties.

For instance:

• Twenty-five counties participated in the regional summit on infrastructure development.
• Both counties face similar challenges in managing urban growth.

Alternatively, counties can refer to all counties or to an unspecified number of counties.

• Counties across the state are investing in renewable energy initiatives.
• All counties must adhere to state regulations regarding zoning and land use.