The 2020 census found 2,631 people in the township.

Located in the northeastern part of the county, it borders the following townships: No municipalities are located in Canaan Township.

[5] Statewide, other Canaan Townships are located in Athens, Morrow, and Wayne counties.

The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.