Adams County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, Adams County, located in eastern Indiana, recently had about 115 acres of rural land, including farms and hunting properties, listed for sale. While it’s not one of the top counties in terms of land availability—ranking 79th out of 92 in the state—there’s still some activity in the market, especially around Decatur, which had the most listings. Covering 339 square miles, Adams County may not be among Indiana’s largest, but it still offers opportunities for those looking to invest in or settle into the East Indiana countryside.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Adams County is home to 1,305 farms covering roughly 214,734 acres–with the average farm spanning about 165 acres. Nearly 90% of that land is cropland, while smaller portions are allocated to pasture, woodland, and other uses. Farmers here are gradually embracing conservation practices, with 29% using no-till, 15% reduced tillage, 25% intensive tillage, and only 6% planting cover crops to maintain soil health.

Overview of Adams County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Adams County is located in northeastern Indiana along the Ohio border, with Decatur as its county seat. The landscape is largely flat to gently rolling, featuring rich farmland, drainage ditches, and rural communities that support a strong agricultural presence.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a dominant crop in Adams County, thriving in the area’s fertile soils and playing a key role in both grain and livestock feed production.
2. Soybeans: widely planted across the county, often rotated with corn to maintain soil health and boosts yields.
3. Wheat: grown on a smaller scale, contributing to crop diversity and fitting well into multi-year rotations.

Adams County, Indiana, is home to a strong and steady agricultural presence, rooted in generations of family farming and supported by fertile soils and a gently rolling landscape. The county’s farms primarily grow corn and soybeans, which dominate the region’s crop rotation and serve both grain markets and livestock feed needs. Wheat is also grown to a lesser extent, adding diversity to the area’s farming operations. The agricultural community here blends traditional practices with modern techniques, making efficient use of the land while maintaining its long-term productivity.

When it comes to land demand, Adams County sees moderate interest in rural property, largely driven by local farmers looking to expand their operations or maintain family ownership. While it doesn’t rank among the top counties in Indiana for total land listed for sale, there is consistent movement in the market, particularly in and around Decatur. The area’s affordability, combined with its agricultural viability, makes it appealing for those looking to invest in manageable acreages or build upon existing farm operations.

History & Background of Adams County, Indiana

County Seat: Decatur

Townships: Blue Creek / French / Hartford / Jefferson / Kirkland / Monroe / Preble / Root / St. Mary’s / Union / Wabash / Washington

History: Established in 1836; Named for President John Quincy Adams.

Population: 36,584

Cities & Towns: Decatur / Berne / Geneva / Monroe / Ceylon / Preble / Pleasant Mills

Acreage: 217,800

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

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