According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 12.9 square miles (33 km2), of which 0.08% is water.

Richard Whitpaine, a London butcher, purchased a 4,500-acre (1,800 ha) tract of land as part of William Penn’s "Holy Experiment".

His 16-year-old son, Zechariah, travelled to Pennsylvania on the ship Welcome with Penn in 1682 to settle his father's properties and escape persecution of his Quaker beliefs.

By 1685, Zechariah had established a plantation house along Wissahickon Creek near Mount Pleasant, with his bride Sarah Songhurst, whom he had met on the Welcome.

Although today Whitpain Township is home to residents of many religions and nationalities, its earliest settlers were Protestant and Quaker.

Dawesfield, a home on Lewis Lane, is considered the most significant historic site in the township because it was Washington's headquarters from October 21 to November 2, 1777.

[7] Today, Whitpain Township is a composite of several small communities established before and after the Revolutionary War.

In recent years the name "Blue Bell" has become largely synonymous with much of the township, eclipsing many of the older community designations.

The Board of Supervisors is empowered to appoint professionals to assist it in the operation of the Township and to furnish advice and counsel on technical matters.

Also, the Board of Supervisors hears conditional use applications in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code and the Whitpain Township Zoning Ordinance.

During the months of November and December, public hearings are held for the purpose of reviewing the budget for the following year.

The current membership of the Board of Supervisors (as of the election of November 2023) consists of: The township government is located at 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

Federally, Whitpain Township is part of the 4th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Madeleine Dean.

There are no active passenger train stations within the township borders, but several are located in neighboring municipalities, including North Wales and Ambler, which are both served by SEPTA Regional Rail's Lansdale/Doylestown Line.

[14] A community association known as WhitpainResidents was founded in 2006 as a non-profit group with the stated goal of promoting "responsible development and preserving the quality of life in Whitpain Township.

"[15][16] The group rose to prominence through the vocal opposition to a planned hospital on grounds formerly occupied by Unisys.