The township contains the following communities: Buttermilk Falls, Darlington, Hillsview, Laughlintown, Longbridge, McCance, Oak Grove, Shirley, Speedwell, Rector, Waterford, and Wilpen.

Ligonier Township has six borders including the townships of Fairfield to the northeast, Jenner (Somerset County) to the southeast, Lincoln (Somerset County) in the southeastern corner, Cook to the southwest, Unity to the lower northwest, and Derry to the upper northwest.

Situated completely inside the township are the boroughs of Ligonier and Laurel Mountain.

A five-person board of supervisors, elected for a six-year term, governs the township.

The Patrol officers are responsible for patrolling the Ligonier Valley which includes the villages of Waterford, Darlington, Wilpen and Laughlintown, the Borough of Ligonier and Laurel Mountain Borough.

The police department suffered tragedy in May 2015 when K-9 handler LT. Eric Eslary was killed in the line of duty in a motor vehicle accident.

Fire protection services are provided by a 100% totally volunteer force, from three of the township's villages.