Ford County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Ford County recorded another year of per-acre value increases in 2024, but that momentum may be softening slightly in early 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*
$13,181/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $17,600/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $13,181/acre and the price per productivity index point was $102.61 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $17,600 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, Ford County ranks near the lower end in the Inland Empire when it comes to the amount of land currently listed for sale. Among the communities in the county, Gibson City has the most land available. Covering 486 square miles, Ford County is the 58th largest county in Illinois and sits right in the heart of Central Illinois.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Ford County, Illinois, features 544 farms managing about 279,456 acres of farmland, with the average farm spanning roughly 514–a size that’s grown slightly from 2017. Farmers here focus primarily on crop production, with approximately 260,462 acres in cropland and smaller parcels dedicated to pasture, woodland, and other uses. On the sustainability front, local producers are embracing conservation: around 35% use no-till, 36% reduced tillage, 29% intensive tillage, and 10% incorporate cover crops to protect and enrich their soils.
Overview of Ford County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Ford County is located in Central Illinois, characterized by its mostly flat to gently rolling terrain that is ideal for large-scale agriculture. The county’s landscape is dominated by fertile prairie soils, making it a prime area for crop production.
Major Crops:
- Corn: the primary crop in Ford County, thriving in the region’s fertile soils and serving as a cornerstone for both grain markets and livestock feed.
- Soybeans: widely planted as a complementary crop to corn, playing an important role in crop rotation and soil health.
- Wheat: grown on a smaller scale, often used in crop rotations to help maintain soil quality and provide additional market options.
- Hay: supports local livestock operations by providing essential forage throughout the year.
Ford County’s heart beats with agriculture, anchored by roughly 544 farms stewarding approximately 279,456 acres of land, most of which is cropland. The average farm spans a substantial 514 acres, and farmers are increasingly turning to conservation practices: around 35% use no-till, 36% reduced tillage, 29% intensive tillage, and 10% incorporate cover crops, all helping to maintain soil health and productivity. This landscape supports a traditional Midwest farming environment where crops form the backbone of operations.
Meanwhile, the land market in Ford County remains grounded and steady. Recent data shows that farmland values have dipped, and sales activity has slowed—there were only six land transactions covering 816 acres in the past year, down notably from historical averages. Despite this cooling, good-quality farmland with strong soil productivity still commands interest from both local farmers and long-term investors. Ford County’s blend of productive land and strategic Central Illinois location continues to make it a reliable agricultural stronghold.
History & Background of Ford County, Illinois
County Seat: Paxton
Townships: Brenton / Button / Dix / Drummer / Lyman / Mona / Patton / Peach Orchard / Pella / Rogers / Sullivant / Wall
History: Established in 1859; Named for Governor Thomas Ford.
Population: 13,250
Cities & Towns: Paxton / Cabery / Elliott / Kempton / Melvin / Piper City / Roberts / Sibley
Acreage: 311,040
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Ford County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Ford County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 544
Land in farms (acres): 279,456
Average farm size (acres): 514
Total market value of products sold: $299,807,000
Government payments: $3,207,000
Farm-related income: $13,321,000
Total farm production expenses: $202,338,000
Net cash farm income: $113,997,000
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/cp17053.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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