Ushiku is located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, in the low-lying marshy flatlands south of Lake Kasumigaura.

Ushiku has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light snowfall.

[2] Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Ushiku has grown nearly ninefold over the past 100 years, with especially rapid growth taking place in the late 20th century.

[4] Ushiku has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 22 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Ibaraki 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.