Ransom county is located in southeastern North Dakota with Lisbon serving as the county seat. The county population on July 1, 1999, was 5,731, a decrease of 190 over the 1990 census.
The Sheyenne River enters the county at the northwest corner meandering first to the southeast, then east, north and exiting the county on a east-northeasterly tack. The river played an important part of the settling of the area. Today, Ft. Ransom State Historic Site on the river, pays silent homage to those who risked their lives to make the area safe. In addition, the river supports Fort Ransom State Park which offers its facilities to visitors from all over the country.