Elkhart County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report
Land prices in Elkhart County increased further in 2024, but early indicators in 2025 suggest the market may be stabilizing after several strong years.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Jacob Hogan today at (765) 366-6328.
Average Price of Land*
$20,417/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $22,083/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $20,417/acre and the price per productivity index point was $287.47 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $22,083 per acre.
Since 1977, the Geswein Farm & Land Team has been advising landowners to be stewards of the land and make decisions based on most current, accurate, and relevant data. The information in this report can provide you with a rough estimate of your property’s value; however, understanding the specific characteristics of your property and how they compare to the other sales will provide the most accurate value of your property. Additionally, properties sold by land brokers via auctions or listings consistently outperformed individual to individual transactions and properties sold by traditional home realtors.
By The Numbers
According to Land.com, nearly 2,000 acres of land were recently listed for sale in Elkhart County, Indiana, with a total market value of approximately $156 million. Elkhart County currently ranks seventh in the state for the most land available for sale. Among the various areas within the county, Goshen had the highest volume of land listings, including farms, hunting properties, and other rural acreage. Covering 467 square miles, Elkhart County is the 17th largest county in Indiana and is located in the north region of the state.
According to the USDA’s Census of Agriculture, Elkhart County ranks among Indiana’s top-producing counties in both the number of farms (over 50,000 statewide) and agricultural value – placing in the top five for total ag production value, alongside Jay, Jasper, LaGrange, and Dubois counties. Local producers also benefit from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) physical loss loans in the aftermath of events like the May 2024 tornado and qualify as contiguous counties for federal disaster relief. Additionally, through partnerships with NRCS and the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District, farmers access tools like SPAD meters and cost-sharing for conservation cropping practices that support sustainable soil health. Finally, USDA Rural Development has funded renewable energy-focused programs like REAP in Indiana (solar, biofuels, efficiency projects), offering opportunities for Elkhart-area producers to reduce energy costs and boost clean-energy output.
This integrated support—spanning financial aid, disaster assistance, conservation practices, and renewable energy investments—underscores USDA’s strong role in enhancing both economic viability and environmental sustainability for agriculture in Elkhart County.
Overview of Elkhart County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Elkhart County is located in northern Indiana, bordering the Michigan state line. It spans 467 square miles and features a mix of urban areas, farmland, and rural landscapes.
Major Crops:
- Corn: The most widely grown crop in Elkhart County, used primarily for grain, livestock feed, ethanol production, and food ingredients. The county benefits from Indiana’s high average corn yield – over 200 bushels per acre in recent years – thanks to fertile soils and favorable growing conditions.
- Soybeans: The second-largest crop grown in Elkhart County, often rotated with corn to maintain soil health and optimize yields. These legumes are processed into oil, meal for animal feed, and are also exported globally, making them a vital part of the county’s agricultural economy.
- Pumpkins: Pumpkin farming in the county supports both commercial food markets and agritourism, with many farms offering pick-your-own experiences in the fall. Indiana ranks second nationally in pumpkin production, and Elkhart County contributes to this with a variety of culinary and ornamental pumpkin types.
- Mint: Elkhart County farms grow both peppermint and spearmint, which thrive in the region’s moist soils and are harvested for their essential oils. Indiana is one of the top mint-producing states, and these aromatic crops are used in gum, candies, toothpaste, and essential oil products.
Elkhart County is a hub for traditional row-crop farming. Corn and soybeans dominate large tracts of arable land, benefiting from high statewide yields – averaging 203 bushels/acre for corn and 61 bushels/acre for soybeans in 2023. Farms also diversify with forage crops like hay and specialty produce such as pumpkins and mint, aligning with Indiana’s national rankings. Local dairy and beef operations further support crop rotations and forage production, while smaller-scale farms contribute to agritourism and local food markets – offering vegetables, fruit, maple syrup, honey, and niche items like duck and cheese.
Farmland in Elkhart County commands strong prices. Regional trends show rising investor activity: farmland near interstates and urban fringes is increasingly purchased for development or leased for solar and agricultural investment. As agriculture remains profitable, competitive land markets reflect both high commodity returns and pressure from expanding development – especially around Elkhart’s growing suburban corridors.
History & Background of Elkhart County, Indiana
County Seat: Goshen
Townships: Baugo / Benton / Cleveland / Clinton / Concord / Elkhart / Harrison / Jackson / Jefferson / Locke / Middlebury / Olive / Osolo / Union / Washington / York
History: Established in 1830, the name “Elkhart” is believed to be derived from a Shawnee Indiana chief.
Population: 207,047
Cities & Towns: Bristol / Elkhart / Goshen / Middlebury / Millersburg / Nappanee / Wakarusa
Acreage: 299,909
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Elkhart County, Indiana.
The 2022 Ag Census for Elkhart County, Indiana, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 1,809
Land in farms (acres): 195,094
Average farm size (acres): 108
Total market value of products sold: $497,787,000
Government payments: $810,000
Farm-related income: $11,865,000
Total farm production expenses: $332,752,000
Net cash farm income: $177,710,000
Sources / Citations:
Source 1:
“United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA, www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Indiana/Publications/County_Estimates/index.php#:~:text=Access%20Quick%20Stats%20Lite,to%20NASS%20Surveys%20and%20Programs. Accessed 2 July 2025.
Source 2:
“USDA.” 2022 Census of Agriculture County Profile, www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Indiana/cp18039.pdf. Accessed 2 July 2025.
*The transaction and land sales data/information contained in this report was obtained from publicly available sources and sales disclosures deemed accurate and reliable but not guaranteed, no liability for accuracy, errors or omissions is assumed by Geswein Farm & Land Realty, LLC
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