County governments are using Information Technology with greater and greater savvy each year, according to the 2006 Digital Counties Survey, an annual study by the Center for Digital Government (Center) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).

In April, all counties in the United States were invited to participate in the 2006 Digital Counties Survey. County officials responded to questions that included more than 100 measurements and data points about online service delivery, infrastructure, architecture and governance models. The complete survey results are available online.

"In today's world, technology is essential for effective and efficient government," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "County governments realize this and are using technology in new ways to improve the delivery of services to Americans. The Digital Counties Survey illustrates the innovation being pursued by counties across the country."

"Counties continue to strive for excellence in serving their citizens," said Center Executive Director Cathilea Robinett. "Our Digital Counties Survey showcases those counties most committed to service and innovation. Congratulations to all the winners!"

2006 Digital Counties Survey Winners

500,000 or more population:

• 1st: Orange County, Florida
• 2nd: Fairfax County, Virginia (tie)
• 2nd: King County, Washington (tie)
• 3rd: Montgomery County, Maryland (tie)
• 3rd: Tulsa County, Oklahoma (tie)
• 4th: Oakland County, Michigan
• 5th: San Diego County, California
• 6th: Fulton County, Georgia
• 7th: Sacramento County, California (tie)
• 7th: Westchester County, New York (tie)
• 8th: Anne Arundel County, Maryland
• 9th: Snohomish County, Washington
• 10th: Miami-Dade County, Florida

250,000-499,999 population:

• 1st: Richland County, South Carolina
• 2nd: Prince William County, Virginia (tie)
• 2nd: Washtenaw County, Michigan (tie)
• 3rd: Dakota County, Minnesota (tie)
• 3rd: Douglas County, Colorado (tie)
• 4th: Loudoun County, Virginia
• 5th: Marin County, California
• 6th: Seminole County, Florida
• 7th: Utah County, Utah
• 8th: Dutchess County, New York
• 9th: Howard County, Maryland (tie)
• 9th: Placer County, California (tie)
• 10th: Marion County, Florida

150,000-249,999 population:

• 1st: Roanoke County, Virginia
• 2nd: Hamilton County, Indiana
• 3rd: Merced County, California
• 4th: Scott County, Iowa
• 5th: Racine County, Wisconsin
• 6th: Clermont County, Ohio
• 7th: Horry County, South Carolina
• 8th: Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (tie)
• 8th: Frederick County, Maryland (tie)
• 9th: Dona Ana County, New Mexico
• 10th: Yuma County, Arizona

Less than 150,000 population:

• 1st: Charles County, Maryland
• 2nd: Nevada County, California
• 3rd: Olmsted County, Minnesota
• 4th: Boone County, Missouri
• 5th: Napa County, California
• 6th: Stearns County, Minnesota
• 7th: Sutter County, California
• 8th: Delaware County, Ohio
• 9th: Albemarle County, Virginia
• 10th: Randolph County, North Carolina.