As part of the 2000–2006 municipal reorganization in Quebec, the city was created on December 18, 2002 by the amalgamation of the villages of L'Annonciation, La Macaza, Sainte-Véronique, and Canton Marchand.

After a referendum in 2004, La Macaza regained its independent status on January 1, 2006 but remains part of the Urban agglomeration of Rivière-Rouge.

French is the primary language spoken in Rivière-Rouge, though some people, especially those who deal often with tourists, are able to speak and understand English.

There would also be one additional exchange built off the new highway, about halfway, that would join up to Montée Marois, a street in the center of the village where the only traffic light is.

The city also is home to the regional hospital, Le Centre Hospitalier Des Laurentides (CHDL), which is located in the L'Annonciation sector along the Trans-Canada highway.

Prior to the creation of the city, the villages of L'Annonciation and Canton Marchand operated a joint fire department.

Saint Agathe Academy of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts serves English-speaking students in all sectors of Rivière-Rouge.