Plymouths around the world

United States of America

There are more than 60 identifiable populated places across the USA that are known as Plymouth, and two that are Plymptons. They include counties, townships, cities, towns, boroughs, villages and other communities recognised by the US Census Bureau, plus a number of unincorporated places that have very small populations but are nevertheless discernable communities.

Find out more about Plymouths in America

• California - Iowa
  
  
• Kansas - Minnesota
  
  
• Nebraska - Ohio
  
  
• Pennsylvania - Wisconsin

Political sub-divisions and other populated places in America

There are many types of political sub-division in the United States, certainly the 50 states themselves plus the District of Columbia. The county is the primary sub-division within 48 of the states. Typically, county government is responsible for policing, social and child welfare, planning and zoning, economic development, some employment, training and education services and water quality.

Counties are further sub-divided, but not necessarily in the same way throughout America. Counties in most states contain townships (sometimes known as towns) that cover a large area and are often square or rectangular parcels of land. Townships in the majority of states are incorporated, meaning that they are organised and recognised under state law as political units and have proscribed powers and functions including road maintenance, building permits and settling local disputes.

Other examples of incorporated places are cities, towns (not to be confused with townships), villages and boroughs, mostly identified as MCDs (minor civil divisions). Some of these communities may be situated within township boundaries, indeed they often have the same name, but they are politically independent in terms of municipal government and are recognised by the US Census Bureau as separate entities. Some small cities, towns and villages within township boundaries are unincorporated and have no municipal functions.

The US Census Bureau has since 2000 assigned larger unincorporated population areas that have no political or legal functions as CDPs (census-designated places). These are typically areas of concentrated populations, housing and commercial activity defined in cooperation with state and local officials.