Most of the population lived in the Orkdalen valley along the river Orklaelva and near the lake Hostovatnet.

[9] During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee.

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

[8] The municipality was located in the Orkdalen valley, about 45 kilometres (28 mi) southwest of the city of Trondheim.

The municipal council (Heradsstyre) of Orkland was made up of representatives that were elected to four year terms.