It is situated near the Minnesota River Valley in a fertile agricultural area known for its high productivity.

Renville's economy, past and present, is based largely upon agribusiness.

Renville serves as an agricultural service and distribution center for the surrounding area, and the city boasts the world's largest sugar beet processing plant.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.39 square miles (3.60 km2), all land.

37.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.