It is believed that 'Segamat' is derived from the Malay phrase 'segar amat', which literally translates as 'very refreshing'.

[citation needed] According to the local folklore, the phrase was uttered by a Bendahara during the Sultanate of Malacca upon drinking the water from the Segamat River.

The lowest population density is in Mukim Bekok with about 50 residents per square km.

Segamat Municipal Council administers the northwestern half of the district covering mukim Buloh Kasap, Gemas, Gemereh, Jabi, Jementah, Pagoh, Sermin and Sungai Segamat with a total administrative area of 129 km2 (50 sq mi).

Labis District Council administers the southwestern half of the district covering mukim Bekok, Chaah and Labis, with a total administrative area of 122 km2 (47 sq mi).

[7] The district is home to two institutions: the Johor branch of the Universiti Teknologi Mara which is located about 8 kilometres or a 10-minute drive from the town; and the Johor campus of the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College where peoples called TAR UC (previously known as KTAR) which began operating on 18 May 1998, located at an approximate 10-to-15 minutes driving distance south from the town.