Hamilton County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of farmland, hunting properties, and rural tracts were listed for sale in Hamilton County, totaling around $2 million in value. The county ranks 93rd out of Illinois’ 102 counties for the amount of land currently on the market, with McLeansboro featuring the most listings. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with 695 farms recorded in the most recent USDA Census—most revenue comes from crop production. Covering 435 square miles, Hamilton County is the 68th largest in Illinois and proudly reflects the Southern Illinois tradition of hardworking farmland and close community ties.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Hamilton County, Illinois, is home to 534 farms covering about 223,400 acres, with an average farm size of roughly 418 acres–reflecting a landscape dominated by larger family-run or mid-scale operations. Much of the land is devoted to cropland (about 79%), while pasture, woodland, and other uses account for the remainder.

Overview of Hamilton County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Hamilton County, Illinois, sits in the southern part of the state, nestled within the gently rolling terrain of the Shawnee Hills region. Its landscape is a mix of fertile farmland, small woodlots, and winding creeks, reflecting its strong agricultural roots and rural charm.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a staple crop in Hamilton County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and serving as a cornerstone of its agricultural economy.
2. Soybeans: another major crop, often grown in rotation with corn to maintain soil health and maximize yields.
3. Wheat: also cultivated in the area, providing both a marketable grain crop and an important cover crop for preserving soil quality.

Hamilton County, Illinois, is deeply rooted in agriculture, with its fertile soils and favorable climate making it well-suited for crop production. Corn and soybeans dominate the fields, often rotated to maintain soil health and boost productivity, while wheat plays a supporting role both as a marketable crop and a soil-preserving cover crop. Farming here isn’t just an industry—it’s a way of life, with family-owned operations passing down land and knowledge through generations. The county’s open fields, gently rolling terrain, and rural charm make it a quintessential piece of Southern Illinois farm country.

When it comes to the land market, Hamilton County typically sees steady but selective interest from both local farmers and outside buyers. Farmland here is valued for its productivity, and parcels that come up for sale often appeal to those looking to expand their operations or invest in high-quality agricultural ground. While the market isn’t as fast-paced as in more densely populated areas, demand remains consistent, especially for tracts with proven yields or good access to transportation routes. This combination of rich agricultural heritage and stable market interest helps keep Hamilton County’s farmland both a valuable and sought-after resource.

History & Background of Hamilton County, Illinois

County Seat: McLeansboro

Townships: Beaver Creek / Crook / Crouch / Dahlgren / Flannigan / Knights Prairie / Mayberry / McLeansboro / South Crouch / South Flannigan / South Twigg / Twigg

History: Established in 1821; Named after Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.

Population: 7,911

Cities & Towns: McLeansboro / Belle Prairie City / Broughton / Dahlgren / Macedonia / Thurber / Twigg / South Crouch

Acreage: 278,400

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

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