The borough was named for its founder, Peter Orwig, and created from West Brunswick Township in 1823.

[4] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2), all of which is land.

It has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) and average monthly temperatures range from 27.4°F in January to 72.3°F in July.

Public education in Orwigsburg is provided by Blue Mountain School District.

Students in grades nine through 12 attend Blue Mountain High School in Orwigsburg.