It is the largest district in the state with an area of 3,488.7 square kilometres (1,347.0 sq mi).

[7] The district land is subdivided into 10 administrative mukims:[8][9] According to the 2020 census,[12] the population was 222,382 with 5.3% males and 46.7% females.

The district is governed by two local authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan), namely Kota Tinggi District Council (Majlis Daerah Kota Tinggi) and Pengerang Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Pengerang).

[13] Kota Tinggi District Council mainly governs the northern part of the district and encompasses the mukims of Kambau, Kota Tinggi, Sedili Besar, Ulu Sungai Johor and Ulu Sungai Sedili Besar.

[15] The district is served by MyBas Johor (T10) public buses linking Kota Tinggi Town to Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru City and also other destinations within the district, such as Bandar Penawar.