Franklin County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Franklin County continued to see strong land value appreciation in 2024, but signs in 2025 point to a market that me be reaching a plateau.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Ryan Kull at (812) 881-6575.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$4,678/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $5,780/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $7,678/acre and the price per productivity index point was $49.86 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $5,780 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 1,000 acres of farms and rural land were listed for sale in Franklin County, with West Frankfort having the most properties available. The county ranks 50th in Illinois for total acreage currently on the market. Covering 431 square miles, Franklin County is the 69th largest in the state and is located in the Southern Illinois region.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Franklin County, Illinois, is home to approximately 70 farms, covering around 11,257 acres of land. The county’s agricultural landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of the land dedicated to crop production, including corn and soybeans. In addition to row crops, livestock farming, such as cattle and hogs, contributes to the county’s agricultural economy. The average farm size is Franklin County is 160 acres, and many farms are family-operated, reflecting the county’s strong agricultural heritage.
Overview of Franklin County Agriculture
Location and Geography:Franklin County is located in the Southern Illinois region of the state. The county covers 431 square miles and features mostly gently rolling farmland interspersed with small rivers, creeks, and forested areas.
Major Crops:
- Corn: a major crop in Franklin County, thriving in the fertile soils and forming a central part of the county’s row-crop agriculture.
- Soybeans: widely grown across the county, often rotated with corn to maintain soil health and support both local and export markets.
- Wheat: also cultivated in Franklin County, providing an additional rotational crop and contributing to the diversity of agricultural production.
Franklin County, Illinois, boasts a robust agricultural sector, with approximately 569 farms covering around 174,342 acres. The county’s fertile soils and favorable climate support a diverse range of crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat, which are integral to the local economy. In addition to crop production, livestock farming contributes to the county’s agricultural output with cattle and hogs being the primary livestock raised. The average farm size in Franklin County is about 306 acres, reflecting a mix of small to mid-sized family-owned operations.
The demand for farmland in Franklin County remains strong, driven by the area’s fertile soil and established agricultural infrastructure. Properties for sale are typically smaller tracts, averaging around 22.5 acres, making them accessible to both local farmers seeking expansion and newcomers interested in entering the agricultural market. The county’s agricultural heritage, combined with its strategic location in Southern Illinois, continues to make it an attractive area for agricultural investment and development.
History & Background of Franklin County, Illinois
County Seat: Benton
Townships: Barren / Benton / Browning / Cave / Denning / Eastern / Ewing / Frankfort / Goode / Northern / Six Mile / Tyrone
History: Established in 1818; Named after Benjamin Franklin.
Population: 37,803
Cities & Towns: Benton / West Frankfort / Christopher / Sesser / Zeigler / Orient / Buckner / Ewing / Royalton / Thompsonville / Valier
Acreage: 261,696
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Franklin County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Franklin County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 569
Land in farms (acres): 174,342
Average farm size (acres): 306
Total market value of products sold: $129,158,000
Government payments: $2,105,000
Farm-related income: $3,240,000
Total farm production expenses: $92,066,000
Net cash farm income: $42,437,000
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/cp17055.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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