Jefferson County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Jefferson County experienced continued land value gains throughout 2024, although recent trends suggest a more balanced market may be emerging in 2025.
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*
$7,304/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $12,181/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $7,304/acre and the price per productivity index point was $74.66 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $12,181 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, nearly 2,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Jefferson County, Illinois, making it one of the more active land markets in the state. Jefferson County ranks 23rd in Illinois for total acreage currently advertised, with Bakerville leading the way for the most land available. Covering about 583 square miles, it’s the 41st largest county in Illinois and is located in the Southern Illinois region.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Jefferson County, Illinois, is home to 930 farms spanning approximately 232,182 acres, making for an average farm size of around 250 acres–a mix of small and mid-sized operations. Of those, farms with female producers numbered 432, managing about 74,600 acres at an average of 173 acres each. Around 77% of that land is cropland, with about 6% as pastureland, 12% woodland, and 5% used for other purposes–painting a clear picture of a county strongly oriented toward crop production.
Overview of Jefferson County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Jefferson County, Illinois, sits in the southern part of the state within the Southern Illinois region, covering about 583 square miles of mostly flat to gently rolling terrain. The county is known for its fertile farmland, interspersed with woodlands and small waterways, making it well-suited for both crop production and livestock operations.
Major Crops:
- Corn: one of the leading crops, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and serving as a key driver of the local agricultural economy.
- Soybeans: another top crop, widely planted across the county for both domestic processing and export markets.
- Wheat: also grown in Jefferson County, often used in crop rotation to improve soil health and provide an additional income stream for farmers.
Jefferson County, Illinois, is deeply rooted in agriculture, with approximately 930 farms covering around 232,182 acres. The county’s fertile soils and favorable climate make it ideal for growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. These crops are central to the local economy, with corn and soybeans serving as the primary commodities. In addition to crop production, Jefferson County also supports livestock farming, including cattle and hogs, adding diversity and stability to the agricultural sector.
The demand for farmland in Jefferson County reflects its strong agricultural foundation. Land listings in the area typically feature a range of farm sizes, attracting both local farmers looking to expand their operations and outside buyers interested in productive farmland. The combination of fertile soils, established farming infrastructure, and a supportive agricultural community makes Jefferson County a desirable location for agricultural endeavors and long-term investment in the land.
History & Background of Jefferson County, Illinois
County Seat: Mount Vernon
Townships: Field / Dodds / Shiloh / Webber / Pendleton / Blissville
History: Established in 1819; Named by the settlers in the area.
Population: 37,113
Cities & Towns: Ina / Woodlawn / Waltonville / Bluford / Dix / Opdyke / Bonnie / Belle Rive
Acreage: 365,440
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Jefferson County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Jefferson County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 930
Land in farms (acres): 232,182
Average farm size (acres): 250
Total market value of products sold: $136,087,000
Government payments: $2,744,000
Farm-related income: $5,332,000
Total farm production expenses: $102,318,000
Net cash farm income: $41,845,000
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/cp17081.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
Thinking About Selling?
Need Advice?
Get the guidance, service, and professional expertise you deserve.
- Family Farm Advisory for Succession Planning
- Undivided Interests & Tenants in Common
- Farmland Management Decisions
- Auctions & Listing
With our full-time experienced team, you’ll get our ‘boots on the ground’ work ethic paired with the latest in digital technology & national marketing reach – for best-in-class service and results.
Because you deserve more value.
Contact Us