Crawford County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of land—valued at nearly $8 million—were listed for sale in Crawford County, Illinois. The county ranks 58th in the state for the total amount of acreage currently on the market, with Robinson offering the largest share of available farms and rural properties. While agriculture plays a role in the local landscape, Crawford County’s economy is largely driven by manufacturing and related services. Covering 445 square miles, it’s the 64th largest county in Illinois and sits in the heart of the state’s central region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Crawford County, Illinois, is home to 607 farms spanning approximately 234,709 acres of farmland, with each farm averaging about 387 acres. The county’s agricultural landscape is overwhelmingly dominated by cropland–accounting for 89% of land use–followed by small portions of woodland (7%), pasture (1%), and other uses (3%). Most of the agricultural output comes from crops, making up a substantial share of total sales, with livestock contributing in a smaller capacity. Additionally, sustainable farming practices are present–about 24% of farms use no-till, 19% use reduced tillage, and a smaller percentage use intensive tillage or cover cropping.

Overview of Crawford County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Crawford County, Illinois, is located along the state’s eastern border, with the Wabash River forming part of its boundary with Indiana. The county’s landscape is primarily flat to gently rolling farmland, interspersed with woodlands and waterways, making it well-suited for agriculture.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: one of the leading crops in Crawford County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and contributing significantly to the local agricultural economy.
2. Soybeans: another dominant crop, often grown in rotation with corn to maintain soil health and maximize yields.
3. Wheat: provides both a marketable grain crop and a valuable cover for soil conservation between growing seasons.

Crawford County, Illinois, has a strong agricultural foundation, with over 234,000 acres dedicated to farming. The landscape is dominated by cropland, making up nearly 90% of its farmland, while woodland, pasture, and other uses make up the rest. Corn and soybeans are the primary crops, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and favorable growing conditions, with wheat and hay also playing a role in the local agricultural mix. Most farms in the area are family-owned, and while crop production is the dominant focus, there’s also a modest presence of livestock operations. Agriculture here isn’t just an economic driver—it’s a way of life that has shaped the county’s culture and identity for generations.

When it comes to the land market, demand in Crawford County tends to be steady, driven largely by the strength of its farmland and the productivity of its soils. Buyers are often local farmers looking to expand their operations, though outside investors occasionally enter the market in search of long-term agricultural assets. Well-managed tracts with high-quality soil are especially sought after, and parcels that combine tillable acres with some recreational or woodland appeal can draw interest from multiple types of buyers. Overall, the combination of productive farmland and a stable agricultural community keeps land in Crawford County a valued and competitive resource.

History & Background of Crawford County, Illinois

County Seat: Robinson

Townships: Honey Creek / Hutsonville / Lamotte / Licking / Martin / Montgomery / Oblong / Prairie / Robinson / Southwest

History: Established in 1816; Named for William H. Crawford, who served as both U.S. Secretary of War and Secretary of the Treasury at the time.

Population: 18,300

Cities & Towns: Robinson / Flat Rock / Hutsonville / Oblong / Palestine / Stoy / Annapolis / West York / Bellair / Dogwood / Duncanville / Gordon / Green Brier / Hardinville / Heathsville / Kibbie / Landes / Morea / New Hebron / Oil Center / Oil Grove / Pierceburg / Port Jackson / Porterville / Richwoods / Riddleville / Trimble / Villas

Acreage: 284,160

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

The 2022 Ag Census for Crawford County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics: