Average Price of Land*
$10,485/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $10,865/acre
in 2024*
Overall, the average price of farmland was $10,485/acre and the price per productivity index point was $152.40 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $10,865 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.
According to Land.com, there’s been close to $85 million worth of land for sale across about 1,000 acres in Delaware County, Indiana. That puts the county at 14th out of all 92 Indiana counties when it comes to the amount of land currently on the market. Most of the listings are in and around Muncie. While agriculture plays a role locally, a big chunk of Delaware County’s economy actually comes from government and state services. Covering about 395 square miles, it’s Indiana’s 51st largest county and sits in the eastern part of the state
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The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Delaware County had 506 farms managing around 156,000 acres, of which approximately 147,000 acres were cropland, with the rest in pasture, woodland, or other uses. On average, farms in the county span 308 acres, and crop production accounts for about 93% of their agricultural sales, while livestock, poultry, and animal products make up the remaining 7%. Soil-conscious practices are increasingly common: about 40% of farms use no-till, 21% use reduced tillage, 16% adopt intensive tillage, and roughly 9% plant cover crops to help preserve topsoil. In terms of crop acreage, soybeans lead the pack at nearly 39,500 acres, followed by corn for grain at around 24,800 acres, and smaller areas planted with popcorn, hay, and specialty crops.
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Overview of Delaware County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Delaware County is located in east-central Indiana, bordered by Blackford, Jay, Randolph, Henry, Madison, and Grant counties. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, with fertile soil that supports a strong agricultural presence throughout the region.
Major Crops:
- Soybeans: Delaware County’s leading crop, widely grown due to the region’s rich soil and climate.
- Corn: follows closely behind, with a significant number of acres planted each year for grain.
- Hay: also grown in smaller quantities, typically used for livestock feed or conservation efforts.
Agriculture in Delaware County plays a vital role in both the local economy and the broader food supply chain. With over 500 farms operating across more than 150,000 acres, the county is heavily focused on row crop production – primarily soybeans and corn. The average farm size sits just over 300 acres, suggesting a mix of family-owned operations and larger-scale commercial farming. Conservation practices such as no-till farming and cover cropping are steadily on the rise, reflecting a commitment to sustainability among many producers.
The land market in Delaware County remains active, driven by continued interest in productive farmland and development potential near growing towns like Muncie. While rural areas remain rooted in agricultural use, portions of land close to urban centers are seeing growing appeal for both investors and farmers. Demand is also influenced by the county’s accessibility, infrastructure, and proximity to other active agricultural regions.
History & Background of Delaware County, Indiana
County Seat: Muncie
Townships: Center / Delaware / Hamilton / Harrison / Liberty / Monroe / Mount Pleasant / Niles / Perry / Salem / Union / Washington
History: Formed in 1827; named for the Delaware Native American Tribe.
Population: 111,000
Cities & Towns: Muncie / Albany / Chesterfield / Daleville / Eaton / Gaston / Selma / Yorktown
Acreage: 252,800
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Delaware County, Indiana.
The 2022 Ag Census for Delaware County, Indiana, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 506
Land in farms (acres): 156,043
Average farm size (acres): 308
Total market value of products sold: $156,243,000
Government payments: $523,000
Farm-related income: $7,357,000
Total farm production expenses: $115,416,000
Net cash farm income: $48,708,000
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/cp18035.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
