Located in the southeastern part of the county along the Ohio River, it borders the following townships: Brooke County, West Virginia lies across the Ohio River to the east.

Part of the village of New Alexandria is located in northern Wells Township.

[4] It was named for Bezaleel Wells, a founder of Steubenville.

[6] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[7] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.