According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Quirihue spans an area of 589 km2 (227 sq mi) and has 11,429 inhabitants (5,852 men and 5,577 women).

[3] As a commune, Quirihue is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years.

The 2008-2012 alcalde was Tomás Irribarra De La Torre (PRSD).

[1][2] Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Quirihue is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Jorge Sabag (PDC) and Frank Sauerbaum (RN) as part of the 42nd electoral district, together with San Fabián, Ñiquén, San Carlos, San Nicolás, Ninhue, Cobquecura, Treguaco, Portezuelo, Coelemu, Ránquil, Quillón, Bulnes, Cabrero and Yumbel.

The commune is represented in the Senate by Alejandro Navarro Brain (MAS) and Hosain Sabag Castillo (PDC) as part of the 12th senatorial constituency (Biobío-Cordillera).