The town is located on the edge of the strath of the Avon Water, around 6 miles (10 km) from Hamilton and 18 miles (29 km) from Glasgow. The A71, which connects Edinburgh and Kilmarnock passes through the town. In the 2001 census the town had a population of 7,700. Strathaven has one secondary school and three primary schools - Kirklandpark Primary, Wester Overton Primary, and St Patrick's Primary. It also has a grass airfield about 2 miles (3 km) to the north west on Lethame Road.
Strathaven had, at various times, three railway stations.
Strathaven station, the first station, was the terminus of the Hamilton and Strathaven Railway. The railway was taken over by the Caledonian Railway; and the station was replaced by Strathaven North railway station.
Strathaven North railway station, a terminal station on the Hamilton and Strathaven Branch of the Caledonian Railway, opened in October 1904, closed temporarily during World War I; and closed on 30 September1945.
Strathaven Central railway station, on the line from Stonehouse to Drumclog, closed in June 1964.