In historical records the town was first mentioned in 1255.
The town lies at an altitude of 216 metres and covers an area of 19.765 km2 (7.63 sq mi). It has a population of about 11,000 people.
According to the 2011 census, the town had 11,086 inhabitants. 45% of inhabitants were Slovaks, 40% Hungarians, and 15% Roma. The religious make-up was 73.61% Roman Catholics, 6.91% people with no religious affiliation, 3.42% Greek Catholics and 1.12% Lutherans.
The town has a police force and fire service and its own tax office.
Moldava nad Bodvou is twinned with: