How Many United States District Courts Are There? The Definitive Answer (94 Explained)

Alright, let's tackle a question that seems simple but trips up way more people than you'd think: how many United States district courts are there? I remember the first time I needed this info for some research, I confidently typed it into Google, expecting a single, straightforward number. Boy, was I wrong. The answer pops up quickly enough – you'll usually see "94" plastered everywhere. But then you start digging, maybe you glance at a map of judicial circuits, and suddenly things seem... off. Why does Puerto Rico have its own federal court? What about Guam? Are those counted? That "94" starts feeling a bit like a polite fiction, oversimplifying a genuinely complex federal system. So, let's not just parrot the easy answer. Let's really unpack it, understand what counts as a U.S. district court, why the number is what it is, and where the confusion often lies. If you're dealing with federal law, understanding this structure is crucial, not just trivia.

The Magic Number (Mostly): Breaking Down the 94

So, the official count, the one you'll find if you ask the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts or look at most government websites, is 94. That's the core answer to how many United States district courts exist within the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This number isn't random; it's deeply tied to how the country is divided geographically and politically.

Think about how the U.S. is structured. We have 50 states, right? But not every state gets just one district court. Population size, historical caseload, and geographic sprawl all play a role. Congress decides this stuff, carving up the judicial map. Here's how it generally shakes out:

• Most States (48 out of 50) have exactly one federal judicial district covering their entire territory. Makes sense for smaller or less populous states like Vermont or Nebraska. One court handles all the federal cases for that state.
• Two States Get Divided: Now, the exceptions prove the rule. Two states are large and busy enough (population-wise and geographically) that they get split into multiple districts:
  • New York: Divided into four districts (Eastern, Southern, Northern, Western).
  • California: Divided into four districts (Northern, Eastern, Central, Southern).
  Seriously, just imagine the chaos if all of California's federal cases funneled through one court building!
• District of Columbia: Washington D.C., not being a state, gets its own dedicated U.S. District Court. It handles a unique mix of local and national federal cases.

If you do the basic math: 48 single-district states + 1 for D.C. = 49. But wait, New York (4 districts) and California (4 districts) add *extra* districts beyond their single "state slot." So, 49 base + 3 extra from NY (since one district is the "base") + 3 extra from CA = 55? That's messy. It's clearer to think: 50 states each have *at least* one district. Two states (NY, CA) have *additional* districts. NY has 3 extra (4 total - 1 base), CA has 3 extra (4 total - 1 base). So: 50 states (each with 1 district) + 3 extra (NY) + 3 extra (CA) + 1 (D.C.) = 57? Still not 94. See why it gets confusing fast?

Let's try a different approach. Forget the "base state" idea. Just list them out:

• 48 states with 1 district each: 48 districts
• New York with 4 districts: +4
• California with 4 districts: +4
• District of Columbia: +1 district

48 + 4 + 4 + 1 = 57 districts. Hold on, that's only 57! Where are the other 37?

Ah, here's the key: those 48 states with "one" district? Some of them are actually subdivided internally into divisions. But crucially, they remain a single, unified district court under the law. Think of it like a company with branches. There's one main district court for the state, but it might hold sessions in different cities for convenience. The judge might ride circuit, or different judges may be assigned primarily to different locations. But legally, it's one court entity. Alabama, for example, is one judicial district, but it has divisions like Northern, Middle, and Southern. Cases are filed based on where the issue arose within Alabama, but they are all part of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alabama.

So, summing up the core 94:

• 50 states: Each has at least one federal judicial district.
• D.C.: Has one federal judicial district.
• Extra Districts: New York and California have three *additional* district courts each beyond the one they'd have as a single-district state (totaling 4 each).

Total: 50 (States) + 1 (D.C.) + 3 (NY Extra) + 3 (CA Extra) = 57 Districts? No. This is the point where many explanations fall short. The missing piece is that the divisions *within* other states don't create extra *district courts*, but the multiple districts in NY and CA *do*. The correct calculation is simply: 49 states with one district court (including those with internal divisions) + 1 state (NY) with 4 district courts + 1 state (CA) with 4 district courts + D.C. with 1 district court. But 49 + 4 + 4 + 1 = 58. Still not 94. I recall scratching my head over this for ages.

The truth is, the 94 encompasses:

• The 50 states are served by 89 district courts (because NY has 4 and CA has 4, making 4 + 4 = 8, while the other 48 states have 1 each = 48; 48 + 8 = 56? Wait...). Let's use the official breakdown:

Yeah, that table hits the confusion spot on. If we calculate based just on states and D.C., we only get 57 district courts. But everyone says 94. What gives? This is exactly where most people researching how many United States district courts are there get lost. The answer hinges on territories.

Beyond the 50 States: The Crucial Role of Territorial Courts

This is the part often glossed over. The United States has territories and commonwealths outside the 50 states. And guess what? Several of these places have federal courts too! These courts function very similarly to the district courts in the states and D.C., handling federal law cases arising within their jurisdiction. They are absolutely vital to the federal judiciary's reach. So, when we ask how many United States district courts are there, we must include these.

Here's the list of U.S. territories with federal district courts:

• Puerto Rico: Has its own U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. It's treated just like a state-level district court.
• Guam: U.S. District Court for the District of Guam.
• U.S. Virgin Islands: U.S. District Court for the District of the Virgin Islands.
• Northern Mariana Islands: U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.

These four territorial courts are full-fledged Article IV courts (sometimes called "territorial courts"), established under Congress's power to govern territories. Judges here serve 10-year terms, unlike the lifetime appointments for district judges in the states and D.C. (Article III courts). But crucially, for the purpose of counting "how many district courts are there," these four are always included. Their caseload is federal, and they are part of the federal judicial system.

So, adding the territories: 57 (from states + D.C.) + 4 territorial courts = 61 district courts. Still not 94.

Okay, now I'm starting to feel that frustration again. We're still missing 33 courts. This is where the bankruptcy courts and the Court of International Trade come in, but they are NOT counted in the "94 district courts" figure. Those are separate entities. The 94 refers specifically to the general trial courts handling criminal and civil federal cases across the nation and territories. So what's missing?

The lightbulb moment: those 48 states listed as having "one" district court? Remember I mentioned they are often subdivided internally? Well, while legally they are one court, for practical administrative and statistical purposes, especially when listing locations, they are often counted by their divisional seats. However, this is NOT the standard way to count the number of *district courts*. The standard count remains 89 in the states+D.C. plus 4 territories = 93? Still not 94.

Let's consult the definitive source: The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts states there are 94 district courts: 89 in the 50 states (which includes the multiple courts in NY and CA) and D.C., plus the 4 territories, plus... wait, 89 + 5? 89 + 4 = 93. The inconsistency is maddening.

Here's the precise official breakdown that gets us to 94:

• The 50 states are served by 89 distinct federal judicial districts. This accounts for the 48 states with one district each and the two states (NY & CA) with four districts each. (48 * 1) + (2 * 4) = 48 + 8 = 56? That can't be right. How do we get 89?

This requires a different perspective:

• There are 94 federal judicial districts in total.
• These are composed of:
  • 90 districts geographically defined within the 50 states and the District of Columbia. (This includes the multiple districts in NY and CA).
  • Plus one district court for each of the following territories: Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. That's 4 more.

90 (states + D.C.) + 4 (territories) = 94. Finally!

So, why did we get stuck at 57 earlier? Because when we said "48 states with one district", we were misrepresenting the reality. Many of those "one district" states actually represent multiple geographic districts established by Congress over time to manage caseload. The key is that each defined geographic area listed below is considered its own judicial district, even if administratively linked under one main court name in some contexts for states with divisions. The official list recognizes 89 distinct geographic judicial districts across the 50 states.

Phew. So, to definitively answer how many United States district courts are there: There are 94 United States district courts. This encompasses the 89 judicial districts spanning the 50 states, the single district for the District of Columbia, and the four districts in the U.S. territories.

Why Everyone Gets Confused (And What Else You Might Be Thinking Of)

I get it. Even after laying it out, the number 94 feels a bit slippery. Why is it so confusing? Here's the breakdown of common mix-ups:

• Divisions vs. Districts: This is the big one. Take Texas. It's a single judicial district? No, legally, Texas is divided into four judicial districts: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. Each of these has multiple divisions within it. So, Texas has four district courts (each with its own Chief Judge, Clerk, etc.), not one. This applies to many states. Alabama has three districts (Northern, Middle, Southern). Florida has three (Northern, Middle, Southern). Illinois has three (Northern, Central, Southern). When people say "48 states have one district," they mean something different than reality. Most states have multiple *defined judicial districts*. The count of 89 district courts within the 50 states reflects this reality of multiple geographically defined districts per state.
• Bankruptcy Courts: Every single one of the 94 judicial districts has its own bankruptcy court unit. Bankruptcy judges handle only bankruptcy cases. They are separate entities within the district court structure, but they are not counted as separate "district courts" in the "how many are there" question. Adding these 94 bankruptcy courts would blow the count way up and isn't relevant to the core question about trial courts for general federal cases.
• U.S. Court of International Trade: This is a specialized federal trial court based in New York City that handles cases involving international trade and customs laws. It's a national court, not tied to a specific district. It is not included in the count of 94 geographically based district courts.
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims: Another specialized national trial court, based in D.C., handling mostly monetary claims against the U.S. government. Again, not included in the 94.
• Circuit Map Confusion: The U.S. Courts of Appeals sit above the district courts. There are 13 circuits (11 regional numbered, D.C. Circuit, Federal Circuit). People sometimes look at a circuit map, see that one circuit covers several states, and assume it means one district court covers several states. Not true. Each district court is within a circuit, but circuits contain multiple district courts. For example, the Ninth Circuit covers California (which has 4 district courts), Oregon (1), Washington (2 districts: Eastern & Western), Idaho (1), Montana (1), Nevada (1), Arizona (1), Alaska (1), Hawaii (1), Guam (1), and Northern Mariana Islands (1). That's a lot of district courts under one appellate umbrella!

So, when someone asks how many federal district courts are there, they are specifically asking about these 94 trial courts that form the bedrock of the federal judiciary across states, D.C., and territories. Not bankruptcy units, not specialized courts.

Why Knowing the Number (and the Structure) Matters

You might wonder, "Okay, 94. But why should I care beyond trivia?" Understanding this structure is actually super practical:

• Filing a Federal Lawsuit: This is critical. If you need to sue someone in federal court (maybe it's a federal question like a civil rights violation, or diversity jurisdiction applies), you must file in the correct U.S. district court. Filing in the wrong district gets your case kicked out fast. Knowing the districts within a state is essential. If your case involves events in Miami, you file in the Southern District of Florida, not the Northern or Middle. Get it wrong, and you waste time and money.
• Location Matters: Where a case is filed within a district can matter. Districts are divided into divisions. While technically part of the same court, practical things like which judge you draw, how far you have to travel for hearings, and local court rules can vary between divisions. Knowing the district map helps you strategize.
• Understanding Appeals: If you lose in a U.S. district court, you appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit where that district court is located. Knowing the district tells you which appellate circuit will hear the appeal. Appeal from the Southern District of New York? That's the Second Circuit. Appeal from the Central District of California? Ninth Circuit.
• Legal Research & News: When reading about a federal case, it will always cite the specific district court (e.g., Doe v. Smith, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan). Knowing this structure helps you locate records, understand jurisdiction, and follow developments.
• Territorial Rights & Issues: Cases originating in Puerto Rico or Guam have their federal issues decided locally in their respective district courts before potentially going up to their circuit court (like the First Circuit for PR). Understanding that these courts exist highlights the application of federal law in territories.

Honestly, I find the territorial courts fascinating. They remind us that the reach of U.S. federal law extends far beyond the continental shores. Seeing a case from Guam cited alongside one from New York really drives home the scale of the system.

Common Questions People Ask (Beyond Just the Number)

Okay, so we've nailed down that there are 94 district courts. But when folks search for how many United States district courts are there, they often have related questions bubbling under the surface. Let's tackle some of the most frequent ones I've seen pop up:

Do the territories really count as U.S. district courts?

Yes, absolutely. This comes up a lot. The district courts in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands are fully recognized as part of the federal judiciary. They handle the same types of federal cases that district courts in the states handle – civil rights suits, federal crimes, disputes involving federal law or agencies, and cases where the parties are from different states or countries meeting the diversity requirements. Appeals from these courts go to their respective federal circuit courts of appeals (Puerto Rico to the First Circuit, Guam and the Northern Marianas to the Ninth Circuit). They are integral. Excluding them gives an incomplete picture of the federal trial court system. So when counting how many district courts exist in the United States, 94 includes these four.

How does this relate to the number of federal judges?

It's related, but different. The number of district courts (94) is fixed. The number of federal district judges, however, is set by Congress and can change. Each district court has at least one district judge, but busy districts have many more. For example, the massive Southern District of New York (covering Manhattan, Bronx, and nearby counties) has dozens of authorized judgeships, while a smaller district like Wyoming might have just a few. Congress periodically passes legislation creating new judgeships to handle growing caseloads in specific districts. So, knowing there are 94 courts tells you nothing about the total number of judges – that's a separate figure (currently over 670 authorized district judgeships).

Are there any plans to add more districts?

It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. Creating a new judicial district requires an Act of Congress. The last time a new district was created was actually way back in1984 when Louisiana was split. Before that, it was 1966. It's a big deal involving politics, population shifts, and caseload burdens. States experiencing rapid growth (looking at you, Arizona and Florida) sometimes see proposals to split their existing districts, essentially creating new courts. For instance, there have been discussions off and on for years about splitting the enormous Central District of California (covering Los Angeles and surrounding areas). But it faces hurdles – cost, finding new courthouses, potential political disputes over boundaries. So, while 94 is the number now, it *could* change, though historical precedent suggests it wouldn't change frequently or easily. For anyone wondering how many United States district courts are there today, the answer remains 94.

What about Washington D.C.? Is it special?

Yes and no. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is counted as one of the 94 district courts. It handles federal cases arising within D.C. just like other district courts handle cases in their geographic areas. However, it *is* unique in a few ways:

• It deals with a disproportionately high number of cases involving the federal government, simply because so many federal agencies are headquartered in D.C.
• It serves as both a federal district court and effectively the equivalent of a state-level superior court for D.C., since D.C. isn't a state and lacks its own separate state court system for local matters. This dual role makes its docket particularly diverse.
• Appeals from the D.C. District go to the powerful U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

How do I find out which district court I need?

This is probably the most practical question after learning the number. The best resource is the official U.S. Courts website (uscourts.gov). They have a fantastic "Court Locator" tool. You usually need to know:

• The geographic location where the events giving rise to the lawsuit occurred, or where the defendant resides.

The Final Tally and Why Clarity Matters

So, after all that, let's state it clearly one last time: There are 94 United States district courts. This figure includes:

• 89 geographically defined judicial districts spread across the 50 states (accounting for states like Texas and Florida having multiple districts, and states like Wyoming and Vermont having one).
• 1 district court for the District of Columbia.
• 4 district courts for the U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Understanding this structure – the districts, the territories, and crucially, the difference between a judicial district and its internal divisions – is fundamental for navigating the federal legal system. It's not just about memorizing a number; it's about knowing where federal justice is administered and how cases flow through the system.

Knowing that the Northern District of Illinois covers Chicago, or that the Southern District of Florida handles Miami cases, or that federal law in Guam is adjudicated locally – this knowledge is practical power. It informs where lawsuits are filed, how appeals travel, and connects citizens across the nation and its territories to the federal judiciary.

So, the next time someone asks you how many United States district courts are there, you can confidently say "94," and be ready to explain exactly what that means and why it matters. It beats just shrugging and saying "I think it's around 90-something," doesn't it? And trust me, understanding this saves a lot of headaches later if you ever find yourself needing to interact with the federal courts.