It was part of the holdings of Owari Domain during the Edo period, and prospered as a post town on the route connecting Nagoya with the Nakasendō highway.
During the Meiji period establishment of the modern municipalities system, the area was organized into villages under Higashikasugai District, Aichi.
Komaki was raised to city status on January 1, 1955, after merging with the village of Kitasato in Nishikasugai District, Aichi.
In terms of national politics, the city is part of Aichi 16th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Komaki has a mixed economy, with agriculture (rice and horticulture), commence, and light manufacturing industries playing important roles.