The area was part of ancient Mutsu Province and was ruled by the Nambu clan of Morioka Domain during the Edo period.

After the start of the Meiji period, the area became briefly part of Rikuchū Province before being transferred to Akita Prefecture in 1871.

Kazuno 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 2 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Kazuo is the main production area in Akita Prefecture for apples, pears, cherries, peaches, blueberries, quince, and prunes.