Hancock County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of land went up for sale in Hancock County, with the total value of farms, hunting land, and other rural properties reaching around $104 million. Among Indiana’s 92 counties, Hancock ranks 20th for the amount of land currently on the market. Greenfield stood out with the most listings in the area. Hancock County sits in Central Indiana and, at 307 square miles, it’s the 81st largest county in the state.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Hancock County is home to 505 farms, covering roughly 184,430 acres of land in agricultural use. Most of that–about 169,667 acres–is cropland, with smaller amounts dedicated to pasture (around 2,000 acres), woodland (approximately 8,667 acres), and other uses like farmsteads. The average farm size has grown to about 365 acres, and crop sales account for roughly 77% of total agricultural income, with livestock-related activities making up the remaining 23%. Conservation practices are increasingly common: about 31% of farms use no-till, 30% use reduced tillage, 23% rely on intensive tillage, and around 9% incorporate cover crops to preserve soil health. In terms of top crops, Hancock County producers grow about 44,243 acres of soybeans and 35,111 acres of corn for grain, with smaller areas planted in hay, specialty crops, and greenhouse products like sod and ornamental plants. Overall, Hancock County farms are large, crop-focused operations that are gradually embracing modern sustainable practices.

Overview of Hancock County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Hancock County is located in Central Indiana, just east of Indianapolis. Its gently rolling landscape and fertile soils make it ideal for row crop farming, and the area benefits from a mix of rural charm and proximity to urban amenities.

Major Crops:

1. Soybeans: most widely planted crop, covering over 44,000 acres and serving as a key cash crop for local farmers.
2. Corn for grain: another dominant crop, with more than 35,000 acres harvested annually, supporting both grain markets and local livestock feed.
3. Hay: though grown on a smaller scale, provides essential forage for livestock operations in the region.

Hancock County’s farms are impressively large–about 505 farms manage roughly 184,430 acres, with around 169,667 acres in cropland. Most operations are crop-focused, with soybeans occupying over 44,000 acres and corn for grain around 35,00 acres. Smaller amounts of land are planted in hay and other specialty crops. Farmers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, including no-till on 31% of farms, reduced tillage on another 30%, and cover cropping on about 9%, reflecting a growing commitment to soil health and long-term productivity.

The land market in Hancock County is active and influenced by its proximity to Indianapolis and industrial corridors like the Mount Comfort area. While about 1,000 acres of farmland are typically listed for sale, many transactions are driven not just by agriculture but by potential conversion to residential or industrial use–especially near Greenfield and Fortville. This mix of high-quality farm ground and development interest creates steady demand from both local farmers and investors seeking future opportunity.

History & Background of Hancock County, Indiana

County Seat: Greenfield

Townships: Blue River / Brandywine / Brown / Buck Creek / Center / Green / Jackson / Sugar Creek / Vernon

History: Established in 1828; Named after John Hancock, the renowned signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Population: 86,000

Cities & Towns: Greenfield / Fortville / McCordsville / New Palestine / Wilkinson / Cumberland / Shirley / Spring Lake

Acreage: 196,000

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

The 2022 Ag Census for Hancock County, Indiana, reported the following crop statistics: