[1] The total area of the ward was 100.91 square kilometres (38.96 sq mi).

Minami-ku is located in an inland region of north-central Niigata Prefecture.

The area is dominated by agriculture, notably rice production and horticulture.

The area of present-day Minami-ku was part of ancient Echigo Province.

There is one public high school operated by the Niigata Prefectural Board of Education.