The community consists of the six centres of Hausen, Friedigerode, Ibra, Oberaula (administrative seat), Olberode and Wahlshausen.

Quite early on, the Fulda Abbey had a castle with a moat in Hausen, upon whose remains the Barons of Dörnberg built their Renaissance stately home in 1674.

As part of municipal reforms, the two communities of Oberaula and Hausen merged on 1 April 1972.

As of the last municipal elections held on 26 March 2006, the seats are apportioned thus: The community executive consists of 7 members.

Oberaula shares its name with nearby Niederaula (Ober = "upper"; Nieder = "lower") in the neighbouring Hersfeld-Rotenburg district.