[5] Some of the other notable population centres in the municipality include Å, Bjørnli, Drogsetmoen, Fannrem, Geitastrand, Hoston, Ingdalen, Kjøra, Krokstadøra, Lensvik, Løkken Verk, Meldal, Råbygda, Selbekken, Storås, Svorkmo, Thamshavn, Vassbygda, Vernes, and Vormstad.

The first element is the genitive case of the name of the river Ork (now called Orklaelva).

The municipality encompasses a lot of the Orkdalen valley, plus coastal areas along the Trondheimsfjorden and Trondheimsleia.

Trondheim Municipality is located to the east, on the opposite side of the Orkdalsfjorden.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Orkland is made up of 43 representatives that are elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.