[5][6] Skaun is predominantly rural, but is nonetheless situated only 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Norway's third largest city, Trondheim.

Most inhabitants, except agricultural and public sector workers, work outside of the municipality in Trondheim, Orkanger, or Melhus.

On 3 November 1917, a royal resolution changed the spelling of the name of the municipality to Børsaskogn, removing the definite form ending -en.

The official blazon is "Per fess urdy azure and argent" (Norwegian: Delt blått og sølv ved palisadesnitt).

The background below the line has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

Local tradition states that these stones are where Einar Tambarskjelve moored his ships, and he owned a fort in Husaby in Skaun.

The municipality of Skaun lies on the south side of the Gaulosen, an arm of the Trondheimsfjord.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Skaun is made up of 23 representatives that are elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political party.