The islets of Kyūroku-jima in the Sea of Japan are located within the boundaries of the town, giving it the westernmost point of Aomori Prefecture.

The area around Fukaura was controlled by the Tsugaru clan of Hirosaki Domain during the Edo period.

Fukaura has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town legislature of 12 members.

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

There is also a small tourism industry centered on the Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage area, particularly the Juniko Lakes on its periphery.