Carroll County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, there were nearly 1,000 acres of farms and rural properties listed for sale in Carroll County, totaling close to $25 million in value. While that might sound like a lot, the county actually ranks 74th out of Indiana’s 92 counties in terms of land currently on the market. Most of the available land is around Delphi, the county seat. Economically, Carroll County leans heavily on manufacturing and related services as its main industries. Covering 375 square miles, it’s the 63rd largest county in the state and sits in Indiana’s west-central region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Carroll County is home to 537 farms covering about 197,000 acres, with an average farm size of roughly 367 acres. Almost 91% of that land is cropland, primarily planted with corn and soybeans – 87,000 acres of corn and 77,000 acres of soybeans – while smaller areas support wheat, forage crops, and even popcorn. Livestock also plays a key role: the county is notably strong in hog and pig production, with over 266,000 head, and maintains healthy cattle and poultry inventories. Conservation practices are well adopted – while family farms (89%) dominate, and nearly half the farms are operated by younger or beginning farmers. Overall, the census paints a picture of a vibrant, diversified, and forward-looking agricultural community.

Overview of Carroll County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Carroll County is located in west-central Indiana, bordered by the Wabash River and intersected by the historic Wabash and Erie Canal. Its geography is primarily rural and agricultural, featuring gently rolling farmland, small woodlands, and several creeks and waterways.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: The primary crop, covering nearly 93,700 acres and serving as the backbone of the local commodity and feed production in the county.
2. Soybeans: Occupies around 79,670 acres and remain a critical rotational crop, supporting both export markets and livestock feeding systems.
3. Popcorn: A unique specialty crop in Carroll County, distinguishing local farms by its inclusion alongside more common row crops.

Carroll County’s agricultural backbone is apparent in its 2022 USDA Census data: there are approximately 537 farms covering around 197,057 acres – with an average farm size near 367 acres. Most farmland – over 224,000 acres – is devoted to crop production, with corn and soybeans leading the way. Livestock is also a significant contributor: Carroll County ranks among Indiana’s top counties for hog and pig numbers, reflecting robust animal agriculture alongside grain operations. Family-owned farms dominate the landscape, emphasizing multigenerational stewardship and community continuity.

On the land-market front, demand for farmland in the region remains exceptionally strong. In the West-Central region of Indiana – home to Carroll County – auction activity for top-quality parcels frequently attracts competitive bidding, even when market conditions tighten. According to Purdue’s farmland value surveys and local reporting, micro-market characteristics such as soil class and drainage can lead to substantial price variation from parcel to parcel. Even amid recent interest rate increases and narrowing farm profit margins, supply remains constrained – and interest in high-quality tilled ground stays firm, especially among next-generation farmers and regional investors.

History & Background of Carroll County, Indiana

County Seat: Delphi

Townships: Adams / Burlington / Carrollton / Clay / Deer Creek / Democrat / Jackson / Jefferson / Liberty / Madison / Monroe / Rock Creek / Tippecanoe / Washington

History: Organized in 1828; Named for Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence

Population: 20,555

Cities & Towns: Burlington / Camden / Delphi / Flora / Yeoman

Acreage: 238,220

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

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