The terrain of Douglas County consists of rolling hills, mostly dedicated to agriculture.

The county's highest point is on its southwestern boundary, toward the SW corner, at 1,677 ft (511 m) ASL.

In terms of ancestry, 34.8% were Dutch, 33.9% were German, 5.6% were Norwegian, 5.5% were Irish, 5.4% were Russian, and 5.1% were American.

Douglas County voters have long been reliably Republican.

In only two national elections since 1892 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate.