[5] The district is located in the valley of the Vaga River, a major left tributary of the Northern Dvina.

Some areas in the east, northeast, north, and west of the district lie in the basin of various left tributaries of the Northern Dvina.

Historically, it was a part of Vazhsky Uyezd, a vast area including almost all of the basin of the Vaga River.

In the autumn of 1918, about six thousand British and American troops advanced south of Shenkursk.

In 1930, the okrug was abolished, and the district was subordinated to the central administration of Northern Krai.

As an administrative division, the district is divided into twelve selsoviets and one urban-type settlement with jurisdictional territory (Shenkursk).

[3] The following selsoviets have been established (the administrative centers are given in parentheses):[3] As a municipal division, the district is divided into one urban settlement and eight rural settlements (the administrative centers are given in parentheses):[6] The basis of the economy of the district is timber industry.

[12] One of the principal highways in Russia, M8 connecting Moscow and Arkhangelsk, crosses the district from south to north.

The district contains four objects classified as cultural and historical heritage by Russian Federal law, and additionally ninety-four objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local importance.