Barry County, Michigan
2024 Land Sales Report
Barry County experienced another rise in land prices during 2024, though current trends in 2025 point toward a more balanced market.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Jason Cackley at (269) 240-3196.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$7,176/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $14,240/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $7,176/acre and the price per productivity index point was $116.70 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $14,240 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 2,000 acres of land and rural real estate were listed for sale in Barry County, Michigan, with a total value of around $87 million. Barry County ranks 38th in the state for the amount of land currently on the market, and Hastings tops the list as the area with the most land for sale. In recent months, three properties sold through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program for a combined $283,000. Economically, manufacturing and related services drive much of the local economy in Barry County. Covering 577 square miles, it’s Michigan’s 61st largest county and is located in the scenic Southwest Michigan region.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Barry County, Michigan, is home to 897 farms, covering a total of 143,772 acres, with an average farm size of 160 acres–a modest but stable agricultural landscape. The land is primarily dedicated to crop production–roughly 107,000 acres of cropland–alongside pasture, woodland, and other uses like farm infrastructure. Livestock and poultry contribute more to farm sales than crops do–66% to 34%–highlighting a strong presence of animal agriculture. When it comes to preserving the land, sustainable practices are steadily being adopted: about 15% of farms use no-till methods, another 15% use reduced tillage, and 11% employ cover crops.
Overview of Barry County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Barry County, Michigan is located in the southwestern part of the state, nestled between Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo. The county features rolling hills, numerous lakes, and fertile farmland, making it a blend of rural charm and natural beauty.
Major Crops:
- Corn: a major crop in Barry County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and supporting both grain and livestock production.
- Soybeans: are widely grown, providing a valuable rotation crop that helps maintain soil health while contributing to the local agricultural economy.
- Wheat: another important crop, with farmers producing both winter and spring varieties for grain and other uses.
- Hay: production is significant, supplying feed for the county’s dairy and livestock operations.
Barry County, Michigan, has a diverse and thriving agricultural landscape, supported by fertile soils and a favorable climate in the Southwest Michigan region. Local farms produce a mix of crops, with corn, soybeans, and wheat leading the way, alongside strong hay production to support the county’s active dairy and livestock sectors. The agricultural community also benefits from a tradition of diversified farming, with operations ranging from row-crop production to livestock and specialty crops, creating a balanced and resilient farm economy. This mix of production keeps the county’s agricultural base strong and adaptable to changing markets and growing conditions.
The land market in Barry County reflects steady interest from both agricultural producers and buyers seeking rural property for recreational or residential purposes. The area’s productive farmland, coupled with its natural beauty and proximity to larger cities, makes it appealing for a variety of uses. While active farming remains a central draw, open land and mixed-use parcels are also in demand, with buyers appreciating the combination of workability, location, and lifestyle opportunities that the county offers. This blend of strong agricultural roots and multi-use potential keeps Barry County’s land market competitive and sought after.
History & Background of Barry County, Michigan
County Seat: Hastings
Townships: Assyria / Baltimore / Barry / Carlton / Castleton / Hastings Charter / Hope / Irving / Johnstown / Maple Grove / Orangeville / Prairieville / Rutland Charter / Thornapple / Woodland / Yankee Springs
History: Established in 1839; Named after William Taylor Barry, U.S. Postmaster General at the time.
Population: 64,025
Cities & Towns: Hastings / Freeport / Middleville / Nashville / Woodland / Delton / Dowling / Hickory Corners / Assyria / Banfield / Cedar Creek / Cloverdale / Coats Grove / Irving / Lacey / Maple Grove / Orangeville / Prairieville / Quimby / Schultz
Acreage: 369,280
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Barry County, Michigan.
The 2022 Ag Census for Barry County, Michigan, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 897
Land in farms (acres): 143,772
Average farm size (acres): 160
Total market value of products sold: $185,930,000
Government payments: $1,426,000
Farm-related income: $4,836,000
Total farm production expenses: $151,493,000
Net cash farm income: $40,700,000
Sources / Citations:
Source 1:
“United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA, www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Michigan/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/michigan/cp26015.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
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