Washington County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 3,000 acres of land went up for sale in Washington County, including farms, hunting properties, and other types of rural land. That puts Washington County at 37th out of all Indiana counties for the amount of land currently listed. The most land for sale was found around Salem, the county’s hub. Manufacturing and related services play a major role in the local economy, helping to shape the area’s character and employment landscape. Covering 516 square miles, Washington County is one of the ten largest counties in the state and sits in the scenic South Indiana region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Washington County, Indiana, supports a solid agricultural foundation with 783 farms managing roughly 190,400 acres–about 243 acres per farm, which is comfortably above the state average. The farmland comprises approximately 132,300 acres of cropland, 18,600 acres of pasture, and 30,400 acres of woodland, and the rest in infrastructure and other uses. In terms of farm income, about 57% comes from livestock and related products, while 43% comes from crops, reflecting a balanced blend of production types. Sustainable practices are also well-represented: around 29% of farms use no-till, 5% use reduced tillage, 6% use intensive tillage, and about 15% of farms plant cover crops, showing a commitment to protecting soil health and improving long-term productivity.

Overview of Washington County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Washington County is located in the south-central part of Indiana and is part of the Hoosier Uplands region. The county features a mix of rolling hills, fertile farmland, and wooded areas, with Blue River and Muscatatuck River running through parts of the landscape, contributing to its natural beauty and agricultural viability.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a leading crop in Washington County, benefiting from the area’s fertile soils and supporting both grain and livestock operations.
2. Soybeans: widely planted across the county and serve as a key rotational crop alongside corn, contributing to soil health and farm income.
3. Wheat: also grown in the county, typically as a secondary crop, helping diversify farm production and land use throughout the year.

Washington County, Indiana, is deeply rooted in agriculture, with a landscape dominated by rolling fields and productive farmland. Corn and soybeans are the cornerstone crops of the region, planted widely across the county and rotated to maintain soil health and optimize yields. Wheat adds further diversity to the agricultural output, supporting both small and large-scale operations. The county’s farm economy is supported not only by row crops but also by livestock production, which plays a complementary role in the area’s agricultural landscape. The mix of crop and livestock farming helps maintain a stable rural economy and preserves the county’s agricultural heritage.

In terms of the land market, Washington County continues to draw interest from both local producers and outside investors. The availability of high-quality farmland, coupled with the county’s central location and access to regional markets, keeps demand steady. Buyers are often attracted to the potential for crop production, pastureland, and even recreational or rural residential use. With Salem as the central hub, the county balances its rural character with practical access to services and infrastructure, making it an appealing option for those seeking both productive farmland and a strong sense of community.

History & Background of Washington County, Indiana

County Seat: Salem

Townships: Brown / Franklin / Gibson / Howard / Jackson / Jefferson / Madison / Monroe / Pierce / Polk / Posey / Vernon / Washington

History: Established in 1814; Named for President George Washington.

Population: 28,224

Cities & Towns: Salem / New Pekin / Campbellsburg / Fredericksburg / Hardinsburg / Little York / Livonia / Saltillo / Pekin

Acreage: 330,240

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

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