According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, San José de Maipo spans an area of 4,994.8 km2 (1,929 sq mi)and has 13,376 inhabitants (6,947 men and 6,429 women).

The Governor of Chile and future Viceroy of Peru considered it necessary to give it the power of a town to better support mining that took place around San Pedro Nolasco.

During the 19th century the area was the scene of several important events in the independence of Chile, since because of its proximity to Argentina it was used by General San Martin and the liberating Army of the Andes to support the Bernardine cause of O'Higgins.

As a commune, San José de Maipo is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years.

For the years 2012-2016 the mayor is Luis Pezoa Álvarez (RN), and the council members are:[1] Within the electoral divisions of Chile, San José de Maipo is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Osvaldo Andrade (PS) and Leopoldo Pérez (RN) as part of the 29th electoral district, (together with Puente Alto, Pirque and La Pintana).