Non-peptidyl compounds characterized generally as benzofuran/benzofuranalkyl-N-terminal amino hydroxy .beta.-amino acid derivatives are useful as renin inhibitors for treatment of hypertension. Compounds of particular interest are of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from ##STR2## wherein each of Y and Z is independently selected from hydrido, chloro, fluoro, methoxy and dimethylamino; wherein n is a number selected from zero through four, inclusive; wherein each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.4 is independently selected from hydrido and methyl; wherein R.sub.3 is methyl or ethyl; wherein R.sub.5 is cyclohexylmethyl; wherein R.sub.6 is hydroxy; and wherein R.sub.7 is isobutyl or ethyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.