The township surrounds the borough of East Butler but is a separate entity.

The unincorporated communities of Herman, Brinker, Vogleyville, Bonnie Brook, Wadsworth, and Carbon Center are located in the township.

U.S. Route 422, the Benjamin Franklin Highway, crosses the township, connecting Butler to the west with Kittanning to the east.

20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was sixty-five years of age or older.

[6] The district operates Summit Township Elementary School.