Berrien County, Michigan
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, nearly 5,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Berrien County, Michigan, putting it third in the state for the total number of acres currently on the market. Two properties also sold through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program. Among local communities, Benton Harbor had the most land listed for sale. Berrien County’s economy is driven largely by manufacturing and related services. Covering 1,581 square miles, it’s the 19th largest county in Michigan and sits in the state’s Southwest region, offering a mix of farmland, rural spaces, and vibrant communities.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Berrien County, Michigan, has about 792 farms, covering a total of 144,490 acres, with each farm averaging around 182 acres. Of all the land in farms, roughly 121,492 acres are dedicated to cropland, with smaller portions allocated to pasture, woodland, and other uses. Crop production overwhelmingly dominates, accounting for about 94% of farm sales, largely driven by crops like corn, soybeans, vegetables, and grapes. Livestock and poultry make up the remaining 6% of sales. Sustainable practices are increasingly embraced, with 26% of farms using no-till, 18% using reduced tillage, 18% relying on intensive tillage, and 13% employing cover crops.

Overview of Berrien County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Berrien County is located in the southwestern corner of Michigan, along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and bordering Indiana to the south. The county features a mix of fertile farmland, rolling hills, and access to lakes and rivers, making it ideal for both agriculture and outdoor recreation.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: widely grown in Berrien County, serving as a key crop for both grain production and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: another major crop, providing a valuable rotation option that supports soil health and contributes to the county’s agricultural economy.
3. Grapes: significant in Berrien County, supporting a thriving local wine industry and specialty crop production.
4. Vegetables: including tomatoes, peppers, and squash, are cultivated extensively, particularly in areas suited for market gardening and high value crops.
5. Hay: also produced to supply feed for the county’s livestock operations.

Berrien County, Michigan, is a highly productive agricultural region known for its diverse mix of crops and farmland. The county is home to hundreds of farms, with the majority of acreage devoted to corn, soybeans, and hay, alongside specialty crops like grapes and vegetables that support local markets and the wine industry. Farmers in the area are increasingly adopting sustainable practices such as no-till, reduced tillage, and cover cropping, helping to maintain soil health and long-term productivity. Livestock and poultry operations also contribute to the county’s agricultural output, though crop production remains the dominant focus.

The land market in Berrien County reflects the county’s strong agricultural foundation, with thousands of acres of farms and rural real estate actively listed for sale. Communities like Benton Harbor have some of the highest concentrations of land on the market, attracting interest from both local and regional buyers looking to invest in productive farmland. With a mix of fertile soils, water access, and established farming infrastructure, Berrien County continues to see steady demand for farmland, making it a key area for Michigan’s agricultural economy.

History & Background of Berrien County, Michigan

County Seat: St. Joseph

Townships: Bainbridge / Baroda / Benton Charter / Berrien / Chikaming / Coloma Charter / Galien / Hagar / Keeler / Lincoln Charter / Lake Charter / New Buffalo / Niles Charter / Oronoko Charter / Pipestone / Royalton / Sodus / St. Joseph Charter / Watervliet Charter / Weesaw / Shoreham / Buchanan

History: Established in 1829; Named after U.S. Senator John M. Berrien of Georgia.

Population: 154,316

Cities & Towns: St. Joseph / Benton Harbor / Niles / Berrien Springs / New Buffalo / Coloma / Watervliet / Baroda

Acreage: 1,011,840

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

The 2022 Ag Census for Berrien County, Michigan, reported the following crop statistics: