Bartholomew County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, around 1,000 acres of land were recently listed for sale in Bartholomew County, Indiana, with the total value of farms and rural properties nearing $69 million. The county currently ranks 28th in the state for total land acreage on the market. Columbus, the county’s largest city, leads the way with the most available listings for land and rural real estate. Bartholomew County’s economy is heavily driven by manufacturing and related industries. Covering about 409 square miles, it’s the 38th largest county in Indiana and sits in the south-central part of the state.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Bartholomew County reported 502 farms managing approximately 129,100 acres, though this reflects about a 20% drop in acreage since the 2017 Census. Farms average around 257 acres, with approximately 117,050 acres in cropland and additional acreage in pasture, woodland, and farm infrastructure. Crop production dominated the county’s agricultural economy–accounting for roughly 86% of farm income–while livestock and related products make up about 14%. Producers appear committed to conservation: about 41% of farms practice no-till, 22% use reduced tillage, and 9% plant cover crops. The top crops by acreage are soybeans (56,700 acres), corn for grain (48,000 acres), and smaller plantings of wheat, hay, and vegetables, reflecting a well-diversified and productive row-crop region.

Overview of Bartholomew County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Bartholomew County is located in south-central Indiana, about 40 miles south of Indianapolis. The county features gently rolling terrain with a mix of fertile farmland, woodlands, and sections of the East Fork of the White River flowing through its landscape.

Major Crops: 

1. Corn: a leading crop in Bartholomew County, thriving in the region’s fertile soils and serving as a staple for both grain and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: widely planted across the county, contributing significantly to the local agricultural economy and often rotated with corn to maintain soil health.
3. Wheat: also grown in smaller quantities, typically as a secondary crop that fits well into the county’s crop rotation schedules.
4. Hay: produced to support the county’s livestock operations, with fields of alfalfa and mixed grasses harvested throughout the growing season.

Bartholomew County supports a fairly robust agricultural sector, with approximately 502 farms managing around 129,100 total acres. Farmers cultivate about 117,050 acres in cropland, while the rest is used for pasture, woodland, and infrastructure. Farms here average 257 acres, and crop production dominates–accounting for roughly 86% of farm income, with livestock and related products making up the remainder. Soybeans and corn are the top acreage crops (around 56,700 and 48,000 acres respectively), followed by smaller plantings of wheat, hay, and vegetables. Conservation practices are common: approximately 41% of farms use no-till, 22% rely on reduced tillage, and 9% plant cover crops, signaling a growing focus on soil health and sustainability.

When it comes to land market demand, Bartholomew County features a moderate listing environment. Recent listings show roughly 1,000 acres of farmland for sale, with average parcel sizes around 20-23 acres and median list prices per acre near $13,300. While the volume of listings isn’t exceptionally high, demand remains solid–especially for well-located, productive tillable land within reach of Columbus and other population centers. Buyers range from local farmers looking to expand to investors eyeing long-term value or niche buyers interested in timberland, riverfront, and recreational acreage.

History & Background of Bartholomew County, Indiana

County Seat: Columbus

Townships: Clay / Clifty / Columbus / Flat Rock / German / Harrison / Haw Creek / Jackson / Ohio / Rock Creek / Sand Creek / Wayne

History: Established in February 1821; Named for Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bartholomew, a hero wounded at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Population: 84,700

Cities & Towns: Clifford / Edinburgh / Elizabethtown / Hartsville / Hope / Jonesville

Acreage: 261,000

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Bartholomew County, Indiana.

The 2022 Ag Census for Bartholomew County, Indiana, reported the following crop statistics: