Newtown Township traces its roots back to William Penn, who purchased 5,000 acres (20 km2) from the Lenape Indian tribe in 1683.

In 1838, the area comprising the commercial center, plus a number of homes, was incorporated into Newtown Borough.

Today, the Township surrounds Newtown Borough and each has its own form of government.

As of 2020 the Township Supervisors were Phil Calabro, Dennis Fisher, John Mack, Kyle Davis, and David Oxley.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township consists of a total area of 12.0 square miles (31 km2), all land.

On average, the wettest month of the year is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity.

The plant hardiness zone is 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 0.0 °F (−17.8 °C).

SEPTA provides Suburban Bus service to Newtown Township along Route 130, which runs between Bucks County Community College in the township and Frankford Avenue and Knights Road in Northeast Philadelphia.