Howard County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

Key Factors that affect farmland value in Howard County include:

• Location
• Presence of Wind Turbines
• Presence of Pattern Tile or Tile Systems for Drainage
• Presence of Pivot Irrigation Systems
• High Soil Productivity Indexes (WAPI and NCCPI)
• Proximity to Grain Markets or Storage
• Yield & Fertility Histories
• Historical Farm Management Plans / Crop Plan History

Around $12 million worth of farms and rural land were recently listed for sale in Howard County, totaling about 1,000 acres, according to Land.com. That puts the county at 77th out of Indiana’s 92 counties for total land currently on the market. Within the county, the most listings were found in Kokomo, which isn’t surprising given its size and central location. While agriculture is important here, Howard County’s economy is largely driven by manufacturing and related industries. Covering 293 square miles, it ranks as the 82nd largest county in Indiana and sits in the eastern part of the state.

Other factors to note that may affect farmland values in Howard County include soil quality, water availability, and climatic conditions, which are essential for cropland productivity. Proximity to grain markets and transportation infrastructure, such as highways and railroads, also significantly impact land values by facilitating easier access to buyers and suppliers. Additionally, land-use regulations, zoning laws, and the presence of conservation programs (CRP or EQIP, etc)  can either enhance or restrict the potential uses of farmland, thus affecting its value. Economic trends, such as commodity prices and interest rates, play a crucial role in determining land demand and investment returns. Currently we see very few farms for sale, and continued growth in the demand for farmland – thus supporting strong prices despite higher interest rate headwinds. The historical productivity of the land and technological advancements in farming practices can further influence the desirability and valuation of farmland in Howard County.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Howard County encompasses approximately x acres of farmland. With an average farm size of about 327 acres and around 427 farms in operation, the county is a significant player in Indiana’s agricultural landscape. Corn and soybeans dominate as the primary crops, substantially bolstering the local agricultural economy. The census also highlights that 92 farm operators in Howard County are family-owned businesses, underscoring the critical role of agriculture in the community’s heritage and economy.

Key analytics from the USDA census provide a deeper understanding of Howard County’s agricultural dynamics. The average farm size of 327 acres suggests a mix of small to medium-sized farming operations, which can influence efficiency and scalability in agricultural practices. The dominance of corn and soybeans indicates a reliance on crop rotation strategies, which can enhance soil health and productivity but also make the local economy vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices.

• The prevalence of family-owned farms highlights the significance of generational farming knowledge and community-oriented business practices.
• These family operations often face unique challenges, such as succession planning and access to capital, which can impact long-term sustainability.

Additionally, the data on farmland distribution and usage can inform policy decisions, investment strategies, and resource allocation to support the agricultural sector’s growth and resilience in Howard County.

Overview of Howard County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Howard County, Indiana is located in north central Indiana and features mostly flat terrain with fertile soils, making it well-suited for agriculture and home to the city of Kokomo, the county’s urban center.

Major Crops:

1. Corn
2. Soybeans
3. Wheat

History & Background of Howard County, Indiana

County Seat: Kokomo

Townships: Center / Clay / Ervin / Harrison / Honey Creek / Howard / Jackson / Liberty / Monroe / Taylor / Union

History: Was originally Richardville County, named for Jean Baptiste Richardville, a chief of the Miami Tribe

Population: 83.66K

Cities & Towns: Greentown / Kokomo / Russiaville

Acreage: 187,558

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

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

“United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA, www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Indiana/Publications/County_Estimates/index.php#:~:text=Access%20Quick%20Stats%20Lite,to%20NASS%20Surveys%20and%20Programs. Accessed 16 June 2025.