Wabash County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Wabash County, Illinois, including farms and other rural properties, with Mount Carmel offering the largest share of available land. In terms of total acreage on the market, Wabash County ranks 75th out of Illinois’ 102 counties. The county’s economy is largely driven by mining and related industries. Covering 227 square miles, Wabash County is the 98th largest in the state and is located in the Southern Illinois region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Wabash County, Illinois, is home to approximately 11,199 residents as of 2023. The county encompasses a total area of 227 square miles, with 222 square miles of land and 0.3 square miles of water. Agriculturally, the county boasts 97.7 acres of farmland, with a significant portion dedicated to crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. The average farm size is about 377 acres, and the county’s fertile soils contribute to its strong agricultural output. Economically, Wabash County’s agriculture is complemented by its prozimity to the Wabash River, which offers opportunities for irrigation and transportation of goods. The county’s agricultural landscape is characterized by a mix of large-scale row crop farming and smaller livestock operations.

Overview of Wabash County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Wabash County, Illinois, is located in the southeastern part of the state along the Wabash River, which forms its eastern border with Indiana. The county’s landscape is mostly flat to gently rolling farmland, with fertile soils ideal for row crops and small areas of woodland along rivers and streams.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a major crop in Wabash County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and serving as a key commodity for grain and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: widely grown, often rotated with corn to maintain soil fertility and maximize yields.
3. Wheat: cultivated in smaller amounts, providing both a marketable grain crop and a cover crop to protect soil.
4. Hay: produced to support local livestock operations.

Wabash County, Illinois, has a strong agricultural presence, with a significant portion of its 227 square miles dedicated to farming. The county’s farmland is largely used for row crops, with corn and soybeans as the dominant crops, supplemented by wheat, hay, and forage crops. Livestock operations exist but make up a smaller portion of the county’s agricultural output. Many farms are family-owned and have been passed down through generations, reflecting the deep-rooted farming traditions of the area. The county’s fertile soils and favorable growing conditions support consistent agricultural production.

Demand for farmland in Wabash County remains steady, driven by both local farmers looking to expand and outside investors seeking productive land. Tracts with high-quality cropland, good access to infrastructure, or a mix of tillable land and woodland are especially sought after. The county’s agricultural landscape, combined with its strong farming community and supportive infrastructure, makes Wabash County a valuable area for both crop production and livestock operations.

History & Background of Wabash County, Illinois

County Seat: Mount Carmel

Townships: Bellmont / Coffee / Compton / Friendsville / Lancaster / Lick Prairie / Mount Carmel / Wabash

History: Established in 1824; Named after the Wabash River.

Population: 11,202

Cities & Towns: Mount Carmel / Allendale / Bellmont / Keensburg / Adams Corner / Cowling / Friendsville / Lancaster / Maud / Odgen / Rochester

Acreage: 145,920

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

The 2022 Ag Census for Wabash County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics: