It borders five other Counties;- Migori to the South, Kisii and Nyamira to the East, and Kericho and Kisumu to the North East. It is accessible by lake transport, road and air. Its Kabunde Airstrip has just been renovated and opened for commercial flights.
The county has a rich history and folklore that makes it a favourite for cultural tourism. It was originally known as Chich Onuno (Onuno’s market) but it was renamed to Homa Bay by colonialists in 1925 because it was overlooking the then Huma Hills in Karachuonyo.