Branch County, Michigan
2024 Land Sales Report
Branch County land prices climbed through 2024, but recent signals suggest the rapid growth may be tapering off in early 2025.
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*
$5,657/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $10,245/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $5,657/acre and the price per productivity index point was $123.15 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $10,245 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 942 acres of farms and rural land were listed for sale in Branch County. Coldwater had the most land on the market, and overall, Branch County ranks 52nd in Michigan for the total acreage currently advertised for sale. The county itself covers 519 square miles, making it the 81st largest in the state, and it’s located in Southwest Michigan.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Branch County, Michigan, has 758 farms covering a total of 222,892 acres, with an average farm size of 294 acres. The county’s agricultural sector has seen significant growth in recent years, reflecting a strong and expanding farming economy that includes a mix of crop production and livestock operations.
Overview of Branch County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Branch County is located in the southern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, bordering Indiana to the south. The county features gently rolling farmland, scattered lakes, and small rivers, making it a mix of agricultural land and natural scenic areas.
Major Crops:
- Corn: a primary crop in Branch County, grown both for grain and as silage for livestock feed.
- Soybeans: widely cultivated in the county, contributing significantly to the county’s crop rotation system.
- Wheat: grown as a staple cereal crop, often rotated with corn and soybeans to maintain soil health.
- Hay: produced extensively to support the county’s livestock operations, including dairy and beef farms.
Branch County, Michigan, has a strong and diverse agricultural sector, with 758 farms covering over 222,000 acres. The county’s landscape of gently rolling farmland, lakes, and small rivers supports a mix of crop production and livestock operations. Corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay are the major crops, while dairy and beef farming are also important components of the local agricultural economy. Farms in Branch County tend to be moderately sized, with an average of around 294 acres, allowing for both crop rotation and sustainable livestock practices.
The demand for farmland in Branch County remains steady, driven by both active farmers expanding their operations and new buyers interested in rural land for farming or recreational purposes. Coldwater, as one of the main cities in the county, consistently has the most land listed for sale, reflecting its role as an agricultural hub. Overall, Branch County’s agricultural land market reflects a healthy mix of productive farmland and scenic rural properties, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
History & Background of Branch County, Michigan
County Seat: Coldwater
Townships: Algansee / Batavia / Bethel / Bronson / Butler / California / Coldwater / Gilead / Girard / Kinderhook /Matteson / Noble / Ovid / Quincy / Sherwood / Union
History: Established in 1829; Named after John Branch, U.S. Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson.
Population: 46,187
Cities & Towns: Coldwater / Bronson / Quincy / Sherwood / Union City / Batavia Center / Canada Shores / Crystal Beach / East Gilead / Girard / Hodunk / Lockwood / Pearl Beach / Ray / Sans Souci Beach / South Butler / West Kinderhook
Acreage: 323,680
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Branch County, Michigan.
The 2022 Ag Census for Branch County, Michigan, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 758
Land in farms (acres): 222,892
Average farm size (acres): 294
Total market value of products sold: $277,955,000
Government payments: $2,426,000
Farm-related income: $7,310,000
Total farm production expenses: $199,934,000
Net cash farm income: $87,758,000
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/cp26023.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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