Originally known as the Municipality of Prospect and Sherwood it was incorporated in February 1872; and in 1927 it was renamed the Municipality of Holroyd after Arthur Holroyd, the first mayor. In December 1990 was declared City of Holroyd. The administrative centre of the City is located in the suburb of Merrylands, located approximately 25 kilometres (16mi) west of the Sydney central business district.
Holroyd City contains a number of houses throughout the area that were constructed during the 19th Century.
The Mayor of the City of Holroyd is councillor Greg Cummings, a member of the Australian Labor Party.