The district also contains the towns of Blackwater and Yateley, along with numerous villages and surrounding rural areas.

[3] For five years running (2011–2015), an annual study conducted by the Halifax bank named Hart as the UK's most desirable place to live for quality of life.

The study took into account jobs, housing, health, crime, weather, traffic and broadband access.

It found that in 2014 97% of people in the local authority area were in good health, and in 2011 tended to have incomes 40% above the national average.

The change of name was approved by the government on 17 January 1974, before the new district formally came into being.

The whole district is also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government.