This gazelle inhabits a wide range of semi-desert and desert habitats. It ascends into foothills and penetrates mountain valleys in Central Asia, to altitudes of 2,700 m in Mongolia (Bannikov 1954). Goitered Gazelles make seasonal movements in search of pasture and water and in northern parts of the range avoid areas of heavy snow in winter.

This species occurs from Mongolia and northwest China through Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and marginally in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan) to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan and also the south Caucasus (Mallon and Kingswood 2001). Their historical range has contracted greatly.

Goitered Gazelle remains widespread in Mongolia, the Tarim Basin region of Xinjiang, China, and parts of Kazkhstan. There is a substantial population in Shirvan N.R. Azerbaijan, and a small population in the north of the country. Animals from Shirvan have recently been reintroduced to four sites in Azerbaijan and one site in south-east Georgia.

In Iran, Goitered Gazelles are almost entirely restricted to protected areas. Distribution in Pakistan was limited to the Chagai Desert and adjoining areas but range and numbers have been drastically reduced.   

Populations in the Arabian Peninsula and southeast Turkey are now considered to be G. marica. The boundary between the two species has not been determined with accuracy in Iraq.

Goitered Gazelle is legally protected in most of its range states, although enforcement is not universally effective. The species occurs in many protected areas across its range. It has been reintroduced to four sites in Azerbaijan and one site in Georgia (Vashlovani N.P.). Reintroductions have also occurred in Turkmenistan. There is a breeding centre near Bukhara in Uzbekistan.