Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Renville County, North Dakota, had a population of 2,282. The median age was 43.2 years, with 21.3% under 18 and 22.6% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was approximately 50.9% male and 49.1% female. Racially, the population was 95.9% White, 2.0% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.8% of two or more races; 1.1% identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Elections

Renville County, North Dakota, with around 1,200 registered voters as of 2022, holds elections for federal, state, and local offices, including school and municipal races. In the 2020 presidential election, about 85% of votes favored Republican candidates, reflecting the county's conservative lean. Voting typically occurs at designated locations like the Renville County Courthouse in Mohall. Local issues often include agriculture and infrastructure. The Renville County Auditor oversees election administration. Main parties represented are Republican and Democratic-NPL. Voter turnout in general elections frequently exceeds 65%, underscoring strong civic engagement.

Education, Employment and Housing

Renville County, ND, features two public school districts, including Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood and Westhope, with a total of 3 schools serving K-12 students. The high school graduation rate stands at about 92%, while approximately 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 and consistently score above the state average in reading and math. The county emphasizes school safety, maintaining low incident rates, and offers adult education programs through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

As of 2022, Renville County, ND, had an employment rate of approximately 64%. Major industries include agriculture (26%), education and health services (18%), and construction (12%). Most workers are employed in management, natural resources, and production occupations. Roughly 78% commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 22 minutes. About 41% of residents work within the county, while the rest commute to neighboring areas, particularly Ward County and Minot. The unemployment rate hovers around 2.1%, reflecting the county’s strong ties to agriculture and regional employment centers.

Renville County, ND, features a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with median home values around $120,000 as of 2023. Rental rates are modest, averaging $700 monthly. The market is stable, with property values rising about 3% annually. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with a few apartments and mobile homes. Neighborhoods are typically quiet and rural, centered around towns like Mohall. Property taxes are among the lowest in North Dakota, with an effective rate near 1.1%, making the area appealing for both owners and renters seeking affordable, small-town living.

County Crime & Safety

Renville County, ND, maintains a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported only 18 total crimes—15 property crimes and 3 violent crimes—according to the North Dakota Uniform Crime Report. The crime rate stands at approximately 4.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement reporting is managed by the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring prompt response and community engagement. Residents generally experience a high level of safety, with property crimes such as theft and burglary being the most common.