Nobles County is located in southwestern Minnesota and is part of the Buffalo Ridge geological structure. A significant amount of Nobles County's historical character is preserved, while the county has evolved into a remarkably diverse community. The 2021 census reported 22,183 residents living in Nobles County. The largest workforce sector of the economy is manufacturing, while other leading industries include healthcare and social assistance systems, and retail trade.

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Nobles County is experiencing a shortage of available child care.  In March 2023, First Children's Finance conducted a child care need assessment that showed an approximate shortage of 952 child care slots in the county.  Child care shortages make it difficult for employers to operate at full staffing capacities because families must either cut back on the hours they work or opt out of the workforce altogether to care for their children. Other families find challenges by having to rely solely on one income, or by having to travel long distances to find child care in other communities. To support workforce development, retention, and economic growth, Nobles County is participating in the Rural Child Care Innovation Program to explore and implement local and right-sized solutions to address child care shortages.