In 1952, the GDR undertook comprehensive reform in the division of its districts.
After the reunification of Germany, in 1990 Artern was assigned to the state of Thüringen, which had once again been founded, and through the districting reforms of the reunified Germany was included in Kyffhäuserkreis and in Sömmerda (district).
The largest settled areas near the district capital Artern were the cities Bad Frankenhausen, Heldrungen, and Wiehe and the parish of Roßleben.
Other neighboring settled areas included the parishes of Bilzingsleben, Borxleben, Bottendorf, Bretleben, Donndorf, Esperstedt.
Gehofen, Gorsleben, Hauteroda, Heygendorf, Ichstedt, Kalbsrieth, Kannawurf, Nausitz, Oberheldrungen, Reinsdorf, Ringleben Schönewerda, and Voigtstedt.