Taihaku-ku is eleventh largest ward in Japan in terms of area, and second-largest in Sendai (behind Aoba-ku).

The area of present-day Taihaku-ku was part of ancient Mutsu Province, and has been settled since at least the Japanese Paleolithic period.

The area was inhabited by the Emishi people, and came under the control of the imperial dynasty during the late Nara period.

With the establishment of the post-Meiji restoration municipalities system, the area was organised into Natori District of Miyagi Prefecture.

The ward has four public high schools operated by the Miyagi Prefectural Board of Education.