Jo Daviess County is part of the Tri-State Area and the Dubuque, Iowa, Galena, Illinois, Platteville, Wisconsin, metropolitan area. Jo Daviess County's population holds 13-15% of the area's population.
As part of the Driftless Area, Jo Daviess County is known for its extraordinarily scenic stretches of road and valley views.
Within Jo Daviess County lies Charles Mound, the highest natural point in Illinois.