[3] Located in the central part of the county, it borders the following townships: The city of St. Clairsville is located in central Richland Township, and two unincorporated communities are located in the township: Bannock in the northwest, and Glencoe in the south.

The name Richland is descriptive and refers to the fertility of their soil as well as the wealth of coal and limestone within the township's borders.

[4] It is one of twelve Richland Townships statewide.

[5] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.