It was established on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998.

The county covers an area of 1,779.64 square kilometres (687.1 sq mi).

[1] The emblem and flag of Chełm county was designed by Dr. Krzysztof Skupieński, a history teacher.

Głupi can be seen, coated in silver, as she travels across the green fields of Chełm and its mythical golden oaks.

The county includes part of the protected area called Chełm Landscape Park.