Cities and Towns in Renville County, Minnesota
Founded in 1855, Renville County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Renville County was formed from Nicollet County, Pierce County, and Sibley County. The city of Olivia is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Renville County has a population of 14,608 and area of 982.92 square miles (2,546 km²).
List of all cities in Renville County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bird Island, MN | 55310 | 320 |
| Buffalo Lake, MN | 55314 | 320 |
| Danube, MN | 56230 | 320 |
| Fairfax, MN | 55332 | 507 |
| Franklin, MN | 55333 | 507 |
| Hector, MN | 55342 | 320 |
| Morton, MN | 56270 | 507 |
| Olivia, MN | 56277 | 320 |
| Renville, MN | 56284 | 320 |
| Sacred Heart, MN | 56285 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Renville County, Minnesota
Renville County, located in south-central Minnesota, is known for its expansive farmlands, small communities, and agricultural economy. The county was established in 1855 and has a rich history shaped by early European settlers and the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. Agriculture has always been the backbone of the local economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being the primary industries. Today, Renville County features a mix of small towns and rural communities, each contributing to the area’s overall character and heritage.
1. Olivia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: 2,300 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56277
- Latitude: 44.7790° N
- Longitude: 94.9901° W
Location and History:
Olivia is the county seat of Renville County and the largest city in the county, located near the intersection of U.S. Route 71 and State Highway 19. It was established in 1878 and named after the daughter of one of the city’s early settlers, L. H. Mann. The town grew rapidly as a railroad town, benefiting from its position on the Minnesota River and its proximity to neighboring farming communities. Agriculture remains the city’s primary industry, with local farms growing crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Throughout the years, Olivia has maintained a strong agricultural identity, while also diversifying with manufacturing and retail businesses. It has served as a central hub for local commerce, providing essential services to surrounding towns and farmers. The city has a deep sense of community, with annual festivals, events, and local businesses contributing to its small-town charm. Despite its growth over the years, Olivia has remained rooted in its agricultural past, which continues to influence its character today.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Olivia is served by the Olivia Public School District, which includes BOLD High School, BOLD Middle School, and Olivia Elementary School. The district offers strong athletic programs and extracurricular activities for students.
Notable landmarks in Olivia include the Renville County Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s history and heritage, including exhibits on early settlers and local agriculture. The BOLD Park offers green space for sports and recreation, and Lake Allie provides opportunities for fishing and boating. The Olivia City Park is a central spot for outdoor activities, featuring picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths. Olivia also celebrates the Olivia Corn Capital Festival each year, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with live entertainment, food, and games.
2. Renville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 1,300 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56284
- Latitude: 44.7449° N
- Longitude: 94.9830° W
Location and History:
Renville is located approximately 10 miles south of Olivia, along U.S. Route 71. The city was founded in 1879 and was named after the nearby Renville County. Early settlers, primarily from Germany and Scandinavia, contributed to the growth of the city, which was originally a small agricultural community. The city quickly became an important stop on the railroad, and agriculture has remained the backbone of Renville’s economy for over a century.
Renville has seen periods of growth and decline over the years, but it has maintained a small-town atmosphere with a focus on farming. The population of Renville has remained stable, and the city continues to serve as a hub for local farmers, providing services, supplies, and commerce. While the city itself is small, it plays an important role in the surrounding agricultural area.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Renville is served by the Renville County West School District, which includes Renville County West High School and Renville Elementary School. The district offers a comprehensive education program with a focus on athletics and community involvement.
Landmarks in Renville include the Renville County West Sports Complex, which features sports fields for baseball, softball, and soccer. The Renville County Museum is another local highlight, providing exhibits and artifacts related to the city’s history, including its agricultural roots. The Renville City Park offers a space for outdoor activities, with walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Each summer, the city celebrates the Renville Days Festival, which includes a parade, live music, and family-friendly events.
3. Franklin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 350 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55334
- Latitude: 44.5374° N
- Longitude: 94.9491° W
Location and History:
Franklin is a small city located in the eastern part of Renville County, near the Minnesota River. Established in 1875, the city was originally a stop on the Minnesota Valley Railroad, which contributed to its growth as a trading and agricultural hub. Like many towns in Renville County, Franklin grew rapidly in the late 19th century as settlers arrived to farm the fertile land. Agriculture, particularly crop farming, has remained a significant aspect of the city’s economy.
Over the years, Franklin has remained a small rural community, serving the needs of the surrounding farmers and maintaining a low-key, laid-back atmosphere. The city’s proximity to the Minnesota River offers beautiful natural scenery, and its historical roots in agriculture remain an important part of its identity today.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Franklin is part of the Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop School District and its students typically attend schools in nearby Gibbon or Fairfax.
Notable landmarks in Franklin include the Franklin City Park, which features walking trails and open spaces for outdoor activities. The Minnesota River offers scenic views, and the Franklin Historical Society provides educational exhibits about the city’s history and the role agriculture played in its development. Franklin hosts community events, including local holiday celebrations and fairs, that bring together residents and visitors. The town also celebrates Franklin Days each year, which includes parades, games, and festivities. The nearby Minnesota River Valley is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
4. Bird Island
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 1,100 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55310
- Latitude: 44.7653° N
- Longitude: 94.9248° W
Location and History:
Bird Island is located in the northeastern part of Renville County, along State Highway 212. The town was established in 1881 and was named after the abundance of birdlife in the area. Like other cities in Renville County, Bird Island grew as an agricultural center, with settlers farming the fertile land around the area. The town has seen steady growth over the years and remains a rural agricultural community.
Bird Island has a rich history, with a focus on local agriculture, livestock, and crop production. The arrival of the railroad helped the city develop into a commercial center, and it remains a small but important town in the county. Today, Bird Island serves as a service center for the surrounding rural area, offering essential retail, healthcare, and other community services.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bird Island is served by the Renville County West School District, with Bird Island Elementary School and Renville County West High School offering educational opportunities for local students.
Key landmarks in Bird Island include the Bird Island Park, which provides green space for picnics and outdoor activities. The Bird Island Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events, meetings, and celebrations. The Bird Island Historical Society maintains exhibits related to the city’s agricultural past and early settlement. The Minnesota River is also nearby, offering outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The Bird Island Days Festival is a major annual event, celebrating the town’s history and agricultural roots with a parade, food, and local music.
