Why Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities function more like U.S. counties than independent cities.

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Puerto Rico is divided into 78 distinct administrative units that serve as the primary local government for the territory. While they resemble cities, these municipalities function as county-level subdivisions under U.S. census standards. They manage local affairs through a unique system of elected mayors and unicameral legislatures.

The administrative structure of Puerto Rico is defined by its 78 municipalities, which act as the second-level divisions of the archipelago. Because Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory, it lacks state-level units, meaning these municipalities hold the primary governmental authority. Each is governed by a strong mayor and a unicameral legislature, both elected to four-year terms on the same ballot. These municipalities are further subdivided into 902 smaller units known as barrios.

The legal framework governing these entities has evolved over time, currently operating under the 2020 Municipal Code. This legislation replaced the 1991 Autonomous Municipalities Act, which had previously standardized the role of the mayor and the legislative body. While all municipalities share a similar structure, their autonomy often depends on population size. Those with 50,000 or more residents are classified as incorporated cities, which manage their own services, whereas smaller towns often rely on neighboring cities for support.

The system has faced significant financial and political scrutiny. In 2012, nearly half of the municipalities reported budget deficits, contributing to a combined debt of approximately $590 million. Various attempts to consolidate these units have been proposed to address fiscal challenges, including a 1902 law that briefly reduced the count to 46 and a 2009 bill that sought to shrink the total to 20. Despite these efforts, the 78-municipality structure remains intact, reflecting a complex balance between local identity and the need for administrative efficiency.

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