Katagami is located in the coastal plains of northwestern Akita Prefecture, with the Sea of Japan on the southwest and the remnant of Lake Hachirōgata to the northwest, bordering Ikawa Town to the east, Akita City to the south, Oga City to the west, and Ogata Village across Lake Hachiro to the north.

After the start of the Meiji period, the area became part of Minamiakita District, Akita Prefecture in 1878 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system.

The city of Katagami was established on March 22, 2005, from the merger of the three towns of Iitagawa, Shōwa and Tennō (all from Minamiakita District).

[3] Katagami has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 18 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Akita 2nd District of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.