Piatt County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
In Piatt County, per-acre land values rose again in 2024, but signs of a slowdown are beginning to emerge as 2025 progresses.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Matt Rhodes at (217) 251-7067 or Kyle Ogden at (217) 369-3306.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$16,895/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $18,685/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $16,895/acre and the price per productivity index point was $120.56 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $18,685 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 of land and rural real estate were listed for sale in Piatt County, Illinois, with a total value around $4 million. The county ranks 89th in Illinois for the amount of land currently on the market. Monticello, one of the main cities in Piatt County, had the most land available for sale. Agriculture is a big part of the local economy here, with 426 farms recorded in the most recent U.S. Census. Farming activities in the county bring in millions each year, mostly from crop production. Covering 439 square miles, Piatt County is the 67th largest county in Illinois and sits right in the heart of Central Illinois.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Piatt County, Illinois, has around 425 farms managing roughly 266,000 acres of farmland. Corn and soybeans are the top crops grown here, making up most of the county’s agricultural output. Farmers in Piatt County are also increasingly using conservation practices like no-till farming to protect the soil and keep the land productive. Overall, the farming community remains steady and focused on balancing strong crop production with sustainable land management.
Overview of Piatt County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Piatt County is located in Central Illinois and features mostly flat to gently rolling prairie land, making it well-suited for agriculture. Its fertile soils and open landscape support extensive crop farming throughout the county.
Major Crops:
- Corn: the primary crop in Piatt County, thriving in the area’s rich soils and supporting both grain and livestock industries.
- Soybeans: widely grown alongside corn, providing valuable oilseed products and playing a key role in crop rotation practices.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Piatt County’s economy, with a strong focus on corn and soybean production. The county’s flat, fertile prairie soils provide ideal conditions for large-scale crop farming, and many local farmers use modern conservation practices like no-till and cover cropping to maintain soil health and ensure long-term productivity. Beyond row crops, the farming community supports livestock operations, creating a diverse and resilient agricultural sector.
The demand for farmland in Piatt County remains consistent, driven by both local farmers looking to expand and investors attracted to the county’s productive land and stable farming environment. Properties near Monticello tend to see the most activity, thanks to their accessibility and local infrastructure. Overall, the land market reflects a balanced mix of buyers interested in quality soil, location, and sustainable farming practices, making Piatt County a steady and appealing agricultural region.
History & Background of Piatt County, Illinois
County Seat: Monticello
Townships: Bement / Blue Ridge / Cerro Gordo / Goose Creek / Monticello / Sangamon / Unity / Willow Branch
History: Established in 1841; Named for James A. Piatt, a prominent early settler.
Population: 16,673
Cities & Towns: Monticello / Atwood / Bement / Cerro Gordo / Cisco / De land / Hammond / Mansfield / La Place / White Health / Amenia / Galesville / Lodge / Milmine / Pierson / Voorhies
Acreage: 281,000
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Piatt County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Piatt County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 390
Land in farms (acres): 228,142
Average farm size (acres): 585
Total market value of products sold: $255,836,000
Government payments: $1,443,000
Farm-related income: $6,146,000
Total farm production expenses: $161,376,000
Net cash farm income: $102,049,000
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/cp17147.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