It was named for Jefferson Parrish Kidder,[3] a delegate to the United States Congress from Dakota Territory (1875–1879) and associate justice of the territorial supreme court (1865–1875, 1879–1883).

[4][5] The terrain of Kidder County consists of hills dotted with lakes and ponds, largely devoted to agriculture.

[6] The terrain slopes to the east and south; its highest point is a hill near its northwestern corner, at 2,064 ft (629 m) ASL.

In terms of ancestry, 65.8% were German, 21.8% were Norwegian, 8.2% were Russian, 6.0% were English, and 1.7% were American.

In no national election since 1936 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2024).