But in 1904 the county's oldest residents attested that the name referred to Henry Martin, an early settler from Connecticut who ran several businesses during the pre-territory era.

[3][4] Martin County lies on Minnesota's border with Iowa.

The East Fork of the Des Moines River flows southeastward through the lower western part of the county.

The county terrain consists of low rolling hills, dotted with lakes and ponds, completely devoted to agriculture where possible.

[5] The terrain slopes to the east and north, with its highest point near its southwest corner, at 1,407 ft (429 m) ASL.

30.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.