Grundy County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Grundy County land prices rose again throughout 2024, though the pace of growth appears to be tapering as we move into 2025.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Jeremy Thompson at (815) 351-5572.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$13,565/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $17,811/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $13,565/acre and the price per productivity index point was $104.50 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $17,811 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.
By The Numbers
According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres went up for sale in Grundy County, Illinois, offering a mix of farms and rural properties. That puts Grundy County at 31st out of 102 counties in the Land of Lincoln for the total amount of land currently on the market. Among local communities, Morris stands out as having the most land for sale right now. Covering 430 square miles, Grundy County is the 70th largest county in Illinois and sits in the Northern Illinois region.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Grundy County, Illinois, is home to 437 farms spanning about 188,600 acres, thought this total represents a 19% drop in farmland since 2017. Despite changing acreage, farmers here manage relatively large operation–an average of 432 acres per farm, which actually marks a decrease compared to previous years. The vast majority of that land–around 96%–is used for cropland, with only modest amounts set aside for woodland or other purposes. In terms of farming practices, about 34% of farmers use no-till, 25% have adopted reduced tillage, and 20% still rely on intensive tillage methods, while only 4% use cover crops to help protect soil.
Overview of Grundy County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Grundy County, Illinois, sits in the northeastern part of the state, about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, and is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The county’s landscape is mostly flat to gently rolling prairie, with the Illinois River cutting through its southern portion and rich, fertile soils that make it prime farmland.
Major Crops:
- Corn: one of Grundy County’s leading crops, thriving in its deep, fertile prairie soils and serving as a key driver of the local agricultural economy.
- Soybeans: valued both for their versatility in food and industrial uses and for their role in maintaining soil health through crop rotation.
Agriculture is at the heart of Grundy County, Illinois, where rich prairie soils and a favorable climate create ideal conditions for crop production. Corn and soybeans dominate the fields, with farmers leveraging modern equipment and precision agriculture practices to maximize yields. The county’s gently rolling terrain, combined with its location in Northern Illinois, supports both large-scale commercial farms and smaller family operations. Beyond crops, some farmers also raise livestock or engage in specialty farming, adding diversity to the agricultural landscape and supporting the region’s strong farming heritage.
The local land market in Grundy County reflects this deep agricultural foundation, with steady demand from both active farmers looking to expand operations and investors drawn to the stability of farmland ownership. Its proximity to major transportation routes and urban centers adds to its appeal, offering opportunities not just for farming but also for long-term value appreciation. This combination of high-quality farmland and strategic location keeps interest in the county’s rural properties strong, ensuring agriculture remains a central part of its identity and economy.
History & Background of Grundy County, Illinois
County Seat: Morris
Townships: Aux Sable / Braceville / Erienna / Felix / Garfield / Goodfarm / Goose Lake / Greenfield / Highland / Maine / Mazon / Morris / Nettle Creek / Norman / Saratoga / Vienna / Wauponsee
History: Established in 1841; Named for Felix Grundy, a former U.S. Attorney General.
Population: 53,578
Cities & Towns: Morris / Braceville / Carbon Hill / Channahon / Coal City / Diamond / Dwight / East Brooklyn / Gardner / Godley / Kinsman / Mazon / Minooka / Seneca / South Wilmington / Verona
Acreage: 267,520
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Grundy County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Grundy County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 437
Land in farms (acres): 188,601
Average farm size (acres): 432
Total market value of products sold: $187,115,000
Government payments: $2,781,000
Farm-related income: $3,960,000
Total farm production expenses: $122,209,000
Net cash farm income: $71,647,000
Sources / Citations:
Source 1:
“United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA, www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Illinois/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/Illinois/cp17063.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
Thinking About Selling?
Need Advice?
Get the guidance, service, and professional expertise you deserve.
- Family Farm Advisory for Succession Planning
- Undivided Interests & Tenants in Common
- Farmland Management Decisions
- Auctions & Listing
With our full-time experienced team, you’ll get our ‘boots on the ground’ work ethic paired with the latest in digital technology & national marketing reach – for best-in-class service and results.
Because you deserve more value.
Contact Us