Historically, Reasi is considered as one of the oldest towns of the Jammu and Kashmir State. The name Reasi is originated from the old name of the town "Rasyal". Earlier, it was the part of Bhimgarh State which was established by Raja Bhim Dev around the 8th century. There is an historical fort in this place named as Bhimgarh Fort, also well-known as Reasi Fort. Locals believe that at the very beginning the fort was made of clay which was later on reconstructed by using stone masonry. Generally it was there only for the royal family, thus for taking shelter during the period of emergencies. Since year 1989 till today the fort is in the charge of the Department of Archaeology, Jammu and Kashmir Government. At present the fort emerged as one of the important landmarks in the region. But it was damaged for several times earlier due to various natural violence. So, by understanding the significance of the fort, the government itself has took many steps to reconstruct it in a ore beautiful manner. And this is the only fact that why till this time the fort is standing in the place of Reasi. After the accession of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India in the year 1947, the Rajouri and Reasi tehsils of the previous Reasi district were separated. In 1948, Reasi was merged in Udhanpur district. For a long period of time the people of this region have demanded for the restoration of the district status for the place of Reasi. The Wazir Commission report, along with the other recommendations proposed the region to upgraded to a district. Rishi Kumar Koushal, a prominent leader of the former Jan Sangh, present day’s Bharatiya Janata Party led the agitation to restore the district status in the late 90s. Finally, the place of Reasi came into existence as a district in the year 2007 due to the constant efforts and struggles made by the locals.

Geographically, the district has a total 1,932 sq km. area and occupies the rank 12th in State and 522nd in India on the basis of the territorial size. It lies at 33°08'N latitude, 74°83'E longitude and 466 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 53.61% forest area of total geographical area. It is bounded by Kulgam district in the North, Udhampur district in the South-East, Jammu district in the South-West and Rajouri district in the West. The principal river passes through the district is River Chenab. The climate of the district remains pleasant almost throughout the year. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 2076.1 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administration wise, the district is divided into 2 sub-districts, 5 towns and 253 villages. Urdu is its official language. The district came into existence in the year 2007 with its administrative headquarters located at Reasi town which is situated at a distance of 300 km. from the capital of the state.

Demographically, according to the 2015 census, the district has a total number of 54,792 households with the total population of 3,14,667 out of which 1,66,461 are males and 1,48,206 are females which is leading it to the rank 16th in the state and 569th in India. The population density of the district is 183 (persons as per sq km.). The district has a sex ratio of 890 (females as per 1000 males) and child ratio of 919 (females as per 1000 males). According to the 2011 census, the principal languages in the district are Dogri with 43.76% and Hindi with 33.51%. As per 2011 census the major religions in the district are Muslim and Hindu with 49.66% and 48.91% of the total population. The population growth rate in the district during the period 2001-2011 was Rs 17.22% including 16.71% were males and Rs 17.8% were females. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 7,899 out of which 4,252 were males and 3,647 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 1,971 out of which 1,204 were males and 767 were females.

Economically, agriculture is the prime source of the income for the people of the district. Several small scale industries are also available here. Tourism also provides a good source for income here. The district has world’s tallest bridge namely Chenab Bridge. Bauxite and iron ores are the main minerals present here.

The district has a total literates of 11,37,135 including 6,41,916 are males and 4,95,219 are females. According to 2011 census, the literacy rate in the district is 58.15% including 68.38% are males and 46.59% are females. The district has several educational institutes including schools and colleges. Shri Vaishno Devi College of Education, Govt. Polytechnic College and Durga College of Education are name of the main educational institutes in the district.

The district has many famous historical tourist places to visit. The names of these places are Shiv Khori Shrine, Baba Dhansar, Sula Park, Kalka Mandir, Siar Baba, Salal Hydro Project. Shiv Khori is very famous religious place for Hindu devotees. Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori means Shiva's cave. This is a natural cave with a self made lingam. Baba Dhansar is situated at Karua Jheel. It’s a holy place for Hindu devotees. A fair is organized here every year on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Ziarat Baji Ismail Sahib is a scared place for all religions and caste. Anumber of devotes attend the ‘Urs’ here every year. Dera Baba Banda Bhadhur was a saint and soldier of Shikh Guru Gobind Singh ji. There is a Gurudawara on the bank of Chenab River dedicated to him. Baba Jitto Temple is located in Aghar Jitto village. Baba Jitto was a farmer. He fought against landlords and for the rights of the farmers. The village has a temple after the name of the Baba. A festival of three days is held here. Siarh Baba has a beautiful waterfall. Salal Shiv Cave is located nearby the Shiv Khori. It also has a Shiv linga, stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of saints and hanuman inside the cave. Nau Pindian is a holy place along with natural nine Pindies as the symbol of Maha Shakti. Kalka Mata Temple, dedicated to Mata kali is located on the hill top. Salal Power Project is built on Chenab River. It has attraction for tourists because of the Mountains surrounded of it. Bhim Garh Fort is located on the bank of Anji River.