Coles County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Land values in Coles County rose again in 2024, continuing a multi-year trend, but recent activity in 2025 suggests a softening in the pace of growth.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Matt Rhodes at (217) 251-7067 or Kyle Ogden at (217) 369-3306.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$16,194/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $18,113/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $16,194/acre and the price per productivity index point was $118.91 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $18,113 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 $9 million worth of land and rural properties are up for sale in Coles County, covering a total of 203 acres. That puts Coles County at 26th place in Illinois when it comes to the amount of land currently on the market. Most of the farms and rural land for sale are around Charleston, which has the largest share in the county. The local economy mainly revolves around government and state services. Coles County itself is pretty sizable, ranking as the 53rd largest county in Illinois, with an area of 510 square miles, right in the heart of Central Illinois.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Coles County, Illinois, provides a detailed snapshot of local farming in 2022. The county had 193 farms covering a total of 33,994 acres. These farms produced a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as livestock such as cattle and hogs. The market value of agricultural products sold in Coles County was approximately $9 million, with a significant portion coming from crop sales. The county’s agricultural landscape is characterized by a mix of small and large farms, with many operatiosn focusing on row crops. Additionally, Coles County has seen a slight increase in the number of farms compared to previous years, indicating a steady interest in agriculture within the region.
Overview of Coles County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Coles County is located in the heart of Central Illinois and covers about 510 square miles. The county features mostly flat to gently rolling farmland, typical of the region’s rich agricultural landscape.
Major Crops:
- Corn: dominant crop in Coles County, widely grown for both grain and livestock feed.
- Soybeans: another major crop, valued for their versatility in food products, animal feed, and industrial uses.
- Wheat: also cultivated in the county, typically grown as a rotational crop to support soil health and diversify farm production.
Coles County, Illinois, has a strong agricultural presence centered around a mix of crop and livestock farming. The county’s fertile soil and mostly flat to gently rolling terrain make it ideal for growing major crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. These crops form the backbone of local farming, supported by a variety of livestock operations including cattle and hogs. Many farms in the area balance row crop production with livestock, reflecting a diverse agricultural economy that has remained steady and even grown slightly in recent years.
This solid agricultural foundation influences the local land market, where demand for farmland remains consistent. With a combination of small and larger farms, Coles County attracts farmers looking to expand or maintain their operations. Areas around Charleston tend to have the most land available, reflecting its role as a hub for farming activity in the county. Overall, the rural land market in Coles County benefits from ongoing interest driven by the county’s productive soils, established farming community, and the steady economic role agriculture plays in the region.
History & Background of Coles County, Illinois
County Seat: Charleston
Townships: Ashmore / Charleston / East Oakland / Humboldt / Hutton / Lafayette / Mattoon / Morgan / North Okaw / Paradise / Pleasant Grove / Seven Hickory
History: Established in 1830; Named for Edward Coles, the second governor of Illinois.
Population: 46,060
Cities & Towns: Charleston / Mattoon / Oakland / Ashmore / Humboldt
Acreage: 325,000
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Coles County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Coles County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 673
Land in farms (acres): 214,931
Average farm size (acres): 319
Total market value of products sold: $196,976,000
Government payments: $2,353,000
Farm-related income: $7,513,000
Total farm production expenses: $135,702,000
Net cash farm income: $71,141,000
Sources / Citations:
Source 1:
“United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA, www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Illinois/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/Illinois/cp17029.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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