A gently sloping terrace of 20 to 50 meters above sea level distributed on the western edge of the city is called the Toyonaka Plateau, which forms the center of the urban area.

With the exception of the buffered green zone around Osaka International Airport, the area of Toyonaka is almost urbanized.

On April 1, 2001, Toyonaka was designated a Special city with increased local autonomy.

Toyonaka has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 34 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Osaka 8th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Osaka International Airport is partially located in Toyonaka including its terminal, although it is more commonly associated with the city of Itami.