Dekalb County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Dekalb County saw strong land value growth persist into 2024, though the market appears to be calming slightly in 2025.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Jeremy Thompson at (815) 351-5572.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$14,312/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $16,731/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $14,312/acre and the price per productivity index point was $106.84 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $16,731 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, nearly 3,000 acres of farms, hunting land, and other rural properties were listed for sale in DeKalb County, totaling close to $84 million in value. That puts the county at 68th in Illinois for total acreage currently on the market. Sycamore topped the list for the most land available. While agriculture plays an important role here, government and state-level services are the biggest drivers of DeKalb County’s economy. Covering 634 square miles, it’s the 31st largest county in Illinois and sits in the heart of the state’s Northern Illinois region.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that DeKalb County, Illinois, is home to 807 farms, managing a total of 353,524 acres, with an impressive 344,166 acres devoted to cropland, plus modest stretches of pasture and woodland. This agricultural landscape reflects a strong focus on crop production.
Overview of DeKalb County Agriculture
Location and Geography: DeKalb County is located in northern Illinois, about 60 miles west of Chicago, and is part of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The county features fertile prairie land, gently rolling terrain, and a mix of rural farmland and growing urban areas, with the Kishwaukee River running through it.
Major Crops:
- Corn: a dominant crop in DeKalb County, thriving in its fertile soils and serving as a key ingredient for livestock feed and ethanol production.
- Soybeans: widely cultivated, providing valuable protein for animal feed and raw materials for various food and industrial products.
- Wheat: grown on a smaller scale, often used in crop rotations to help maintain soil health and prevent erosion.
DeKalb County’s agricultural landscape is shaped by its rich, fertile soils and strong farming tradition. With over 800 farms managing more than 350,000 acres—most of which is dedicated to cropland—the county primarily produces corn and soybeans, with wheat playing a supportive role in crop rotations. Farmers here are increasingly adopting conservation practices like no-till and cover cropping to maintain soil health and sustainability. The blend of productive farmland and proximity to urban markets makes DeKalb a vital agricultural hub in northern Illinois.
Demand for farmland in DeKalb County remains steady, supported by both local farmers looking to expand and investors seeking quality agricultural land. While the market has seen some cooling in recent times, parcels with strong soils and good access continue to attract interest. The presence of Sycamore as a key city with available land adds to the county’s appeal, offering opportunities for both farming and rural living. Overall, DeKalb County’s combination of productive agriculture and balanced land demand keeps it an important area within Illinois’ agricultural economy.
History & Background of DeKalb County, Illinois
County Seat: Sycamore
Townships: Afton / Alexandria / Barber Greene / Cortland / DeKalb / Kingston / Malta / Marengo / Missouri / Shabbona / Sandwich / Somonauk / South Grove / Sycamore / Union / Virgil / Waterman / Wright
History: Established in 1837; Named for Baron Johann de Kalb, Revolutionary War hero.
Population: 100,420
Cities & Towns: Sycamore / DeKalb / Sandwich / Cortland / Kingston / Malta / Maple Park / Shabbona / Somonauk / Waterman
Acreage: 405,120
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for DeKalb County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for DeKalb County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 807
Land in farms (acres): 353,524
Average farm size (acres): 438
Total market value of products sold: $543,834,000
Government payments: $5,627,000
Farm-related income: $13,595,000
Total farm production expenses: $392,502,000
Net cash farm income: $170,554,000
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/cp17073.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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