The city stands at an elevation of approximately 418 metres (1371 feet) above sea level and covers an area of 3,750 km2 (1,450 sq mi).

Kesalpur was granted to Raja Hari Deo as a jagir by king Khukhragarh in 16th century.

[2] The Gajapati Royal Family still resides at Biru or Birugarh, situated at a distance of about 11 km from Simdega city on NH-23.

The region has always been popular to missionaries, who established schools, convents, hospitals and parishes on the lands donated by the erstwhile Gajapati Kings and its subordinates.

The Odia Kings ruled this area for centuries even during the period of British Raj.

The Gajapati Kings of Kaisalpur-Birugarh invited Odia-Brahmin scholars from Odisha to this region and gradually these Odia Brahmins settled in every corner of the Kaisalpur-Birugarh Kingdom, even today in the remotest villages of this region one can trace these Odia Brahmins families.

Being in the proximity to Rourkela, Industrial Capital of Odisha,[4] the region is bound to develop and cater to population in southern Jharkhand.

A major portion of the rural population depends on rain-fed agriculture (average annual rainfall: 1,100-1,200 mm) for a living.

St. Xavier's College, Simdega is another Jesuit institution of higher education in the city.

Apart from the community health centers ('CHC') at various Blocks of the district, there are two government hospital at Simdega namely;[1] St. Anne Dispensary and Nursing Home run by the "Daughter of St. Anne" at Church Road, Simdega.

Shanti Bhavan Medical Centre a super- specialty Hospital at Biru, Simdega modelled on Christian Medical College & Hospital has been established by Calvary Gospel Ministry, USA.

Asunta Lakra captain of India's women Hockey Team hails from Simdega.

The area has Animal husbandry farms for poultry, Emu, Ducks and pigs.

ATMA (Agriculture Technology Management Agency)[17] is located in Simdega which gives education and training to local entrepreneurs about latest and scientific agricultural techniques including Animal Husbandry, Lac Production and Honey production.

Jharkhand Renewal Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has commissioned and erected four Small Hydel Power Projects at Bano, Tethaitangar, Kurdeg and Kolebeira in Simdega to facilitate power generation up to 25MW.

A new proposed railway route from Ranchi to Simdega via Lohardaga and Gumla will pass through the city.

Simdega has potential for development of tourism,[citation needed] and can attract both domestic as well as foreign tourists.