The city lies directly in the center of the municipality, which is 1,656 km2 (639 sq mi) in area and includes numerous small outlying communities, the largest of which is Río Laja with a population of 2,211 (2005 census).

The inexpensive and mass-produced output of the town is marketed throughout Latin America and the United States.

The central square of the town, in front of Fr Hidalgo's historic church, is a popular tourist spot.

A place of pilgrimage in Dolores Hidalgo for many fans of ranchera and popular music is the tomb of José Alfredo Jiménez, one of the country's most beloved singers and songwriters, as well as one of the most prolific popular songwriters in the history of western music.

Footballer Adolfo "El Bofo" Bautista and USA Olympian Leonel Manzano were born here.