Blackford County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of farms, hunting land, and other rural properties were listed for sale in Blackford County, Indiana, with a total value around $11 million. The county currently ranks 82nd out of Indiana’s 92 counties for the amount of land on the market. Among the areas in Blackford County, Hartford City had the most land available. Covering just 165 square miles, Blackford County is one of the smallest in the state and is located in Indiana’s eastern region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Blackford County remains deeply rooted in agriculture, with most of its land still devoted to farming. Earlier data showed that around 80% of the county – over 84,000 acres – was farmland, primarily used for growing corn and soybeans. The county also had significant livestock presence, with more than 24,000 hogs reported back in 2007. The newest USDA Census of Agriculture continues to show trends seen statewide: fewer farms overall, but larger in size and more productive. In fact, Indiana lost about 370,000 acres of farmland between 2017 and 2022, yet farm income grew significantly – suggesting that operations are becoming more efficient.

Overview of Blackford County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Blackford County is located in east-central Indiana, bordered by Wells, Jay, Delaware, and Grant counties, and features mostly flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the region’s glacial plains. The county’s geography, with its rich soils and moderate climate, makes it well-suited for row crop agriculture.

Major Crops:

1. Corn is widely grown in the county and is primarily used for grain, livestock feed, and ethanol production.
2. Soybeans are a staple crop, valued for their versatility in food products and livestock feed.
3. Wheat is also cultivated, often used in crop rotation to promote soil health and produce flour for food markets.

Blackford County, Indiana, has a strong agricultural identity rooted in its flat, fertile landscape that supports productive row crop farming. The county is home to a number of farms focused primarily on growing corn, soybeans, and wheat, with corn and soybeans making up the majority of planted acres. The area’s glacial soils and favorable growing conditions make it ideal for large-scale crop production, and agriculture continues to play a significant role in the local economy and land use. Farmers in the region often implement crop rotation and conservation practices to maintain long-term soil health and sustainability.

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While the total acreage of land currently on the market in Blackford County is relatively modest, there remains consistent interest from buyers seeking quality farmland. The county ranks toward the lower end statewide in terms of total acres for sale, reflecting both limited supply and steady demand. Most of the available listings are concentrated around Hartford City, the county seat and largest community. Although not as competitive as some neighboring counties, the land market in Blackford County continues to draw attention from local farmers, investors, and those looking for affordable rural property in east-central Indiana.

History & Background of Blackford County, Indiana

County Seat: Hartford City

Townships: Harrison / Jackson / Licking / Washington

History: Formed April 1838; the name comes from Judge Isaac Blackford, Indiana’s first speaker of the General Assembly and longtime Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court.

Population: 12,112

Cities & Towns: Hartford City / Montpelier / Shamrock Lakes

Acreage: 105,000

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

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

Number of farms: 217

Land in farms (acres): 75,340

Average farm size (acres): 347

Total market value of products sold: $78,176,000

Government payments: $408,000

Farm-related income: $1,838,000

Total farm production expenses: $56,590

Net cash farm income: $23,832,000

Sources / Citations:

Source 1:

“United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA, www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Indiana/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/Indiana/cp18009.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