This family includes only species from North America (Southwestern Canada, the United States and Mexico) and Central America (Guatemala). Vaejovids are found in nearly every habitat, up to the Alpine tree-line (over 3,000 meters), though most are found in arid (to 70 m below sea level) and semi-arid habitats. Some species experience "winter-like conditions", and are cold adapted. Several species in the genus Pseudouroctonus are cave-dwelling troglophiles.

Several members of this family have been reported to occur frequently in captivity.

 

Many species of this family can deliver very painful stings, but they are not believed to be dangerous to healthy humans.