The shire covers an area of 2,243 square kilometres (866 sq mi) and had a population of over 14,000 at the 2016 Census, about half of whom live in the towns of Margaret River and Augusta.

Nearly half of Augusta Margaret River's land area is state forest or national park.

Other land uses include agriculture, especially dairy and beef cattle; viticulture; and tourism.

[3] The Shire of Augusta–Margaret River is located on the traditional land of the Wardandi and Pibelmen peoples,[5] both of the Noongar nation.

The towns and localities of the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River with population and size figures based on the most recent Australian census:[6][7] The historical figures for the population of the shire have been recorded in the census as follows:[41][42] As of 2023, 143 places are heritage-listed in the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River,[43] of which eleven are on the State Register of Heritage Places, among them the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Wallcliffe House and Ellensbrook.