New York City Boroughs and Their Counties
New York City is a unique metropolis composed of five distinct administrative divisions known as boroughs. While most people refer to these areas by their borough names, each one is also legally coextensive with a specific county within the state of New York.
Key Facts
- New York City consists of five boroughs.
- Each borough corresponds to exactly one county.
- The boroughs include the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
The Five Boroughs of New York City
The structure of New York City is divided into five geographic areas, each maintaining its own unique identity while functioning as part of a single unified city government.
The Bronx
The Bronx is the only borough that is primarily located on the mainland of the United States. It is legally designated as Bronx County.
Brooklyn
Known for its diverse neighborhoods and cultural richness, Brooklyn is officially recognized as Kings County.
Manhattan
As the economic and cultural hub of the city, Manhattan is legally known as New York County.
Queens
Queens is the largest borough by area and is designated as Queens County.
Staten Island
The most suburban of the five boroughs, Staten Island is officially known as Richmond County.
Borough and County Reference Table
| Borough | County Name |
|---|---|
| The Bronx | Bronx County |
| Brooklyn | Kings County |
| Manhattan | New York County |
| Queens | Queens County |
| Staten Island | Richmond County |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which borough is New York County?
New York County is the legal designation for the borough of Manhattan.
What is the county name for Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is officially known as Kings County.
Which borough shares its name with its county?
Both the Bronx (Bronx County) and Queens (Queens County) share the same name for both their borough and county designations.
What is the county name for Staten Island?
Staten Island is legally designated as Richmond County.