The area is noted for growing fruit, especially: cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, pears, persimmons, kiwi, and apples.

[2] Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Minami-Alps has recently plateaued after several decades of growth.

The city of Minami-Alps was established on April 1, 2003, by the merger of the towns of Kōsai, Kushigata, Shirane and Wakakusa, and the villages of Ashiyasu and Hatta (all from Nakakoma District).

Minami-Alps has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 22 members.

The economy of Minami-Alps is primarily agricultural, with seasonal tourism and forestry playing secondary roles.