Emmeloord is the administrative center, located in the heart of the Noordoostpolder.

The population centres are Bant, Creil, Emmeloord, Ens, Espel, Kraggenburg, Luttelgeest, Marknesse, Nagele, Rutten, and Tollebeek.

The town and former island of Urk, in the southwest, now surrounded by the Noordoostpolder, is a separate municipality.

From 9 December 2012, with the opening of the Hanzelijn, Dronten and Kampen Zuid, will be even closer.

UNESCO World Heritage sites located in/near the Noordoostpolder: