It took on its current political form shortly after the Second World War and was formally created as a township in 1947.
The Independence Party has had an overall control in the town's council since proper elections started in 1962.
First Lady of Iceland Guðrún Katrín Þorbergsdóttir held a position in the city council for 16 years.
[1] The local football team Grótta play in Iceland's first level division.
Grótta's handball teams play in Iceland's top division.