In 2016 the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics report there were 136,065 people in the district, from 131,080 in 2012.

Being in the Ruvuma basin it has large deposits of graphite and uranium, among other commercially demanded minerals.

This has put a pressure on existing social amenities such as hotels, guest houses and lodges.

The prime minister being the member of parliament for the area, rapid developments are expected as works on the road linking Ruangwa to Masasi are being constructed to tarmac level.

The Ruangwa District is administratively divided into 21 wards:[3] This Lindi Region location article is a stub.