[2] Renville County is part of the Minot, ND Micropolitan Statistical Area.

It was named for Joseph Renville, an influential fur trader, interpreter, translator, and important figure in dealings between white men and the Sioux.

The county terrain consists of rolling hills, largely devoted to agriculture.

[6] The terrain slopes to the south and east; its highest point is its SW corner, at 2,005 ft (611 m) ASL.

In terms of ancestry, 39.5% were German, 39.1% were Norwegian, 11.6% were Irish, 9.7% were English, 9.5% were Swedish, and 2.3% were American.

Renville County voters have voted Republican in every national election since 1976 (as of 2024).