The geographical territory of the former oblast does not currently have any administrative significance, but is often referred to as the Central Black Earth Region.

[1] On July 16, 1928, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee issued a decree splitting Central Black Earth Oblast into eleven administrative districts (okrugs)[1] Before the oblast was established, the constituent governorates used the old division inherited from the Russian Empire (uyezds).

On July 23, 1930 the okrugs were abolished, and the districts were made directly subordinate to the oblast authorities.

On April 7, 1932 the city of Lipetsk was made a separate administrative unit.

[1] On June 13, 1934, by the Decree of All-Russian Central Executive Committee the oblast was abolished.