Jennings County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, there are currently about 2,000 acres of land listed for sale in Jennings County, making it a mid-ranking county in Indiana when it comes to land availability. The majority of those listings are around North Vernon, which has the most rural and farm properties on the market right now. Jennings County’s economy leans heavily on manufacturing and related services, which play a big role in the area’s livelihood. Covering roughly 378 square miles, the county sits in the heart of south-central Indiana and offers a mix of farmland, small towns, and open space.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Jennings County is anchored by 461 farms covering roughly 113,373 acres, with an average farm size of about 246 acres–a slight dip in farm acreage since the previous census. Of that farmland, about 81,026 acres are planted in crops, while 4,679 acres are pasture, 22,640 acres are woodland, and the remainder is used for farm infrastructure or other purposes. When it comes to income, around 69% comes from crop production, and the remaining 31% is generated by livestock, poultry, and related activities–indicating a healthy mix of farm outputs. Sustainable practices are also increasingly adopted: about 27% of farms use no-till methods, 16% use reduced tillage, 7% rely on intensive tillage, and 10% plant cover crops to help preserve soil and field health.

Overview of Jennings County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Jennings County is located in southeastern Indiana, nestled between Bartholomew County to the northwest and Jefferson County to the southeast. The landscape features a mix of gently rolling farmland, forested hills, and the Muscatatuck River, which winds through the county and contributes to its diverse topography and natural beauty.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a leading crop in Jennings County, covering thousands of acres and supporting both livestock feed and ethanol production.
2. Soybeans: widely planted throughout the county and serve as a major cash crop, contributing to both local and export markets.
3. Wheat: grown on a smaller scale and often used as a rotational crop to maintain soil health and diversify income.
4. Hay: production supports local livestock operations, especially in more pasture-rich areas of the county.

Agriculture plays a steady and important role in Jennings County’s rural economy. The county’s landscape of rolling fields and fertile soils supports the cultivation of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Corn and soybeans dominate the acreage, forming the backbone of local farming operations and contributing significantly to both feed and biofuel industries. Wheat serves as a valuable rotational crop, while hay supports local livestock operations, particularly in areas with more pastureland. Many farms in the area are family-owned, with generations of growers committed to sustainable practices and crop diversity.

When it comes to land market activity, Jennings County has seen consistent interest in farmland and rural acreage, driven by both agricultural demand and recreational use. Buyers are often looking for tillable tracts with productive soils, while others seek out more wooded or mixed-use properties for hunting, recreation, or rural homesteads. The area’s balance of affordable land, strong ag infrastructure, and rural charm keeps it appealing to investors, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

History & Background of Jennings County, Indiana

County Seat: Vernon

Townships: Bigger / Campbell / Center / Geneva / Graham / Lovett / Montgomery / North Vernon / Sand Creek / Spencer / Vernon

History: Established in 1817; Named for Jonathon Jennings, the first governor of Indiana.

Population: 27,613

Cities & Towns: North Vernon / Vernon / Butlerville / Scipio / Paris Crossing

Acreage: 241,920

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

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