Ōgawara is located in south-central Miyagi Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan.

[2] Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Ōgawara has steadily increased over the past 60 years.

Ōgawara has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 15 members.

Ōgawara, collectively with the other municipalities in Shibata District contributes two seats to the Miyagi Prefectural legislature.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Miyagi 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.