Cook

Named for Daniel P. Cook, a pioneer lawyer, first Attorney General of the State of Illinois and Representative in Congress from 1819 to 1827. There are 133 municipalities (Cities, Villages and incorporated towns) within Cook County's 956 square mile area (227 sq. miles=City of Chicago, 573 sq. mile=Suburban cities and municipalities and 156 sq. miles=Unincorporated areas). The population combined exceeds 5.3 million persons, making Cook County the second most populous county in the nation and the 19th largest government in the United States, with the largest unified criminal justice system and the third largest public health system. Source: Cook County website.