Why are US counties big in the West but small in the East?

▶ In this video I talk about the odd size difference between counties in the Eastern and Western regions of the United States. First, acknowledging the difference that exists, then using two specific states (Nevada and South Carolina) as an example - comparing their average county number, plus their respective average size and population. Then moving on to understand how County limits are drawn based on their resident population, rather than their size. Then listing out the other key factors that seem to contribute to County sizes; such as topography and terrain, climate, geographic location, history and dates of establishment, property availability and cost, local economy and differences in governance style. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:40 Nevada & South Carolina: A Case Study 02:13 The Importance Of Population Size & Density 03:01 County Limits Are About People, Not Land 03:31 Larger Counties By Area vs By Size 03:40 The Importance Of Topography / Terrain 04:14 Difference In Climate Types 04:42 Location Location Location 04:56 Regions' History & Dates Of Establishment 06:08 Differences In Property Availability, Size, & Value 06:24 Western Primary Sector vs Eastern Secondary & Tertiary Sectors 06:49 Slower Western Settlement & 'Temporary' County Lines 07:28 Differences In Governance Style: European Influence vs 'Wild West' 07:53 Summary ▶ A special thank you to my Patrons: Sebastian Karlo, Señor Valasco, Yasin Chaykh, Stuart Tunstead, Chaim laser, Robinhio84, Rogaine Ablar, The Wanton Dogfish, Yeti, Elizabeth Per, Juan Rodriguez Forero, Lastmatix, Kalvin Saccal, Ahmed Alkooheji, Steve the Goat, KR, Ryan Keith, Ryan McMurry, Richard Hartzell. Support me on Patreon & get exclusive / ahead of time content!   / generalknowledge   ▶ Follow me on Twitter:   / gkonyoutube   ▶ Join the Discord Server:   / discord   ▶ Business Contact: [email protected] ▶ Thanks for watching, remember to subscribe to catch future videos!