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

Its administrative seat and largest town is Dębica, which lies 43 kilometres (27 mi) west of the regional capital Rzeszów.

Debica is the county's only rail junction, from which lines emerge in three directions – eastwards to Rzeszow, westwards to Tarnow and northwards to Mielec.

The west–east line, which goes from Wrocław via Debica, to Przemyśl, is electrified and is regarded as one of the most important rail connections in Poland.

The line to Mielec, which goes further northwards to Tarnobrzeg and Sandomierz, is of secondary importance and is not electrified.