# USA county maps: choose a state

Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface.

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps
Updated: 2026-10-03

Build a territory map using the counties of one US state, or a connected group of states. Each county can have its own color, and you can also color every county in a state at once. Alaska boroughs and census areas, Louisiana parishes and other county-equivalent areas are included as county-level boundaries.

![More Maps showing USA County Maps and its matching gold Combine Multiple States button](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/usa-county-menu-20261003.jpg)

The county section has its own individual states and its own Combine Multiple States button.

## 1. Open an individual state county map

In More Maps, expand USA County Maps and choose your state. Links from the free state county download pages open that same state in the coloring tool. The existing USA-wide counties map is a separate choice.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps#usa-county-maps--choose)

## 2. Color individual counties

Create names and colors under START HERE. Select a legend name, check that the button above the map says Colour: Counties, then click counties to assign them. County names are fitted inside the shapes; Map details lets you hide them or show city names and dots.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps#usa-county-maps--county)

## 3. Color the entire state

Click the mode button until it says Colour: States, then click inside the state. All its counties receive the selected legend color. Switch back to Counties to make exceptions. Zooming does not silently change the mode.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps#usa-county-maps--state)

## 4. Combine counties across state borders

Choose Combine Multiple States in the county section. Select a connected group of up to three states, with Alaska allowed separately. Load before purchase; edit the combined counties with one legend. ZIP and county maps cannot be mixed in the same combination.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps#usa-county-maps--combined)

## 5. Choose the access that suits you

One state is £25 plus VAT where applicable; the selected-state bundle totals the states you do not own; all 50 county states are £150 plus VAT where applicable. Access lasts 12 months. The corresponding ZIP products have the same prices but separate access.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps#usa-county-maps--access)

### What this looks like

Real US map controls and examples. Choose View larger to see the details.

![County and state names on a Kansas map — actual GBMaps message](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/usa-county-map-20261003.jpg?v=1791039852)

[**County and state names on a Kansas map**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-county-maps#usa-county-maps--county)

The fitted county names remain in the smaller shapes, while the larger Kansas name is a separate state label.

## Related guides

- [Combine US states: ZIP or county maps](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-combine)
- [Color a whole state; style its border and name](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-state-levels)
- [US map details: state names, ZIPs, counties and places](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-zip-details)
- [Make a US sales or service territory map](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-workflow)
- [Buying US state maps and seeing US prices](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=usa-billing)