Website Usability of the Most Populous Counties in the United States

This research develops a methodology to examine the usability of the Websites of the most populous counties in the United States. It establishes that there are variables that enhance users' abilities to benefit from e-government along six dimensions (online services, user-help, navigation, legitimacy, information architecture, and accessibility accommodations). Benchmarks are derived using a composite usability index through online content analysis. Descriptive statistics characterize variations among counties while addressing a gap in the local government literature about e-government. The research supports establishment of county Website usability benchmarks and speculates on the implications of such benchmarks for improved public management practice.