During the Edo period, the area came under the control of the Satake clan, who ruled the northern third of the province from Kubota Domain.

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

Kitaakita 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 District 2 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

The economy of Kitaakita is based on agriculture, forestry, manufacturing of clothing and electronic components, and seasonal tourism.