Edwards County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, nearly 1,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Edwards County, Illinois, including farms, rural properties, and hunting land, with Albion offering the largest share of available parcels. In terms of total acreage on the market, Edwards County ranks 96th out of all Illinois counties. The local economy is largely driven by manufacturing and related services, which play a central role in the county’s growth. Covering 222 square miles, Edwards County is the 99th largest in the state and is located in the Southern Illinois region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Edwards County, Illinois, has 313 farms covering roughly 117,890 acres, with an average farm size of about 377 acres. The majority of the county’s agricultural production comes from crops, particularly corn and soybeans, while livestock operations make up a smaller portion of the local farming economy. Over the past several years, the number of farms and the volume of agricultural products sold have grown, reflecting a strong and active farming community. Meanwhile, changes in government farm support have influenced how some producers plan and manage their operations.

Overview of Edwards County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Edwards County, Illinois, is located in the southeastern part of the state, bordered by the Wabash River to the east. Its landscape is mostly flat to gently rolling farmland, with fertile soils well-suited for row crops and small areas of woodland along waterways.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a major crop in Edwards County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and serving as a key commodity for grain and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: widely grown and often rotated with corn to maintain soil fertility and maximize yields.
3. Wheat: produced in smaller amounts, providing both a marketable grain crop and a cover for soil conservation.
4. Hay: hay and forage crops are cultivated to support local livestock operations.

Edwards County, Illinois, has a strong agricultural presence, with more than 117,000 acres devoted to farming across roughly 313 farms. The county’s landscape is dominated by cropland, with corn and soybeans as the primary crops, supplemented by wheat, hay, and forage crops. Livestock operations exist but make up a smaller portion of the county’s agricultural output. Many farms are family-owned, reflecting generations of agricultural tradition, and crop production remains the backbone of the local economy.

Demand for farmland in Edwards County is steady, supported by the productivity of its soils and the county’s established farming community. Local farmers often look to expand their operations, while outside buyers sometimes invest in farmland for long-term agricultural purposes. Tracts with high-quality cropland, good access to infrastructure, or a mix of tillable land and woodland are particularly attractive. Overall, the county’s farmland continues to be a valuable and sought-after resource, supporting both agricultural growth and the local economy.

History & Background of Edwards County, Illinois

County Seat: Albion

Townships: Albion / Bone Gap / Browns / Dixon / Ellery / French Creek / Hickory Hill / Prairie / Salem / Shelby / Union / Wabash

History: Established in 1814; Named for Ninian Edwards, the first Governor of Illinois Territory.

Population: 5,968

Cities & Towns: Albion / Grayville / Bone Gap / Browns / West Salem / Bennington / Black / Ellery / Maple Grove / Marion / Red Top / Samsville

Acreage: 117,890

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

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