Rintheim was first mentioned as "Rintdam" on August 15, 1110. In 1275, the village was administered by Gottesaue Abbey. After 1451, administrative rights passed to Durlach. A town hall and a school were established in 1749 and 1770, respectively. Following a year of construction, the Protestant church was opened in November 1871. Rintheim was incorporated into Karlsruhe in January 1907. With connections to the A5 motorway and the Karlsruhe light rail network, Rintheim is easily accessible and situated in a quiet area.

Within Rintheim, there is a primary school, a secondary school, a middle school, and a school for the visually impaired, all located on Weinweg. Rintheim is also home to the Karlsruhe Technology Park, the XXXL Mann Mobilia (XXXL Lutz) department store, and a center for internet and high-tech companies. The Rintheimer Feld area has been a designated "Social City" program area since 2010. The quality of life and housing will be improved through federal and state funding until 2017.