DeKalb County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 2,000 acres of land hit the market in DeKalb County, placing it 24th out of Indiana’s 92 counties for total land currently listed. The area around Auburn had the most listings, making it a hotspot for land activity in the county. Located in the eastern part of the state, DeKalb County spans 363 square miles, ranking it 68th in size across Indiana.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that DeKalb County, Indiana, has experienced notable growth in its agricultural sector. The county is home to 818 farms encompassing 191,601 acres, marking a 21% increase in land under cultivation since 2017. The average farm size has risen to 234 acres, up from 205 acres in 1017. The market value of agricultural products sold reached $166.6 million, a 78% increase over the previous five-year period. Crops dominate the county’s agricultural output, accounting for 76% of sales, with soybeans and corn being the primary commodities. Notably, 36% of farms employ no-till practices, reflecting a growing trend toward sustainable farming methods.

Overview of DeKalb County Agriculture

Location and Geography: DeKalb County, Indiana, is situated in the northeastern part of the state, bordered by Ohio to the east and neighboring Indiana counties like Allen, Noble, and Steuben. The county features gently rolling terrain with fertile farmland and is drained by the Saint Joseph River and Cedar Creek, making it well-suited for agriculture.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a leading crop, widely grown for both grain and livestock feed due to the county’s fertile soils and favorable growing conditions.
2. Soybeans: another major crop, valued for their versatility and commonly rotated with corn to maintain soil health and boost yields.
3. Wheat: also produced in smaller quantities, often as a double-crop following soybeans or used for cover cropping to prevent erosion and improve soil structure.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of DeKalb County, with over 166,000 acres devoted to cropland, complemented by woodland and pastureland that support a mix of farming operations. The predominant crops are soybeans—planted on nearly twice the acreage of corn—while other field crops and livestock contribute to the county’s diversified farm economy. Farmers have increasingly adopted conservation-minded practices; approximately one-third now use no-till methods, and many incorporate reduced till or cover cropping to preserve soil health.

Turning to the land market, demand for DeKalb County farmland remains robust, drawing interest for both its agricultural productivity and potential for future uses. Auctions—such as a recent offering of roughly 80 acres split between cropland and wooded acreage—continue to demonstrate that parcels, whether suited for farming or homesites, attract significant attention. In broader terms, the farmland market in Indiana is holding strong, with high-quality agricultural land in particular sustaining steady demand even amid broader economic pressures.

History & Background of DeKalb County, Indiana

County Seat: Auburn

Townships: Butler / Concord / Fairfield / Franklin / Grant / Jackson / Keyser / Newville / Richland / Smithfield / Spencer / Stafford / Troy / Union / Wilmington

History: Established in 1837; Named for Major General Baron Johann de Kalb, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

Population: 44,330

Cities & Towns: Auburn / Garrett / Waterloo / Ashley / Corunna / Hamilton / Butler / Altona / Saint Joe

Acreage: 232,256

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

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