Kalamazoo County, Michigan
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 3,000 acres of farms and rural land were listed for sale in Kalamazoo County, with a combined value of around $270 million. The county ranks eighth in Michigan for the total amount of land currently on the market, and the city of Kalamazoo tops the list for having the most land for sale in the area. Covering 580 square miles, Kalamazoo County is the 56th largest in the state and sits in the heart of Southwest Michigan.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Kalamazoo County, Michigan, is home to 382 farms covering about 56,000 acres, with an average farm size of approximately 147 acres–a mix of small and medium-scale operations. Most of the land–around 70%–is cropland, while pasture, woodland, and other uses make up the rest. Notably, corn (about 14,248 acres) and soybeans (about 13,502 acres) lead the way among crops. Crop production dominates, accounting for 90% of farm sales, with livestock and poultry rounding out the other 10%. Modern conservation practices are also gaining ground: approximately 13% of farms use no-till methods, 12% employ reduced tillage, 10% use intensive tillage, and 6% have adopted cover crops.

Overview of Kalamazoo County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Kalamazoo County is located in southwestern Michigan, bordered by Calhoun, Barry, Allegan, Van Buren, and St. Joseph counties. Covering about 580 square miles, its landscape is a mix of rolling hills, fertile farmland, and urban areas, with the Kalamazoo River running through its center.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: Kalamazoo is known for its corn production, which serves both livestock feed and processing markets.
2. Soybeans: another key crop, contributing significantly to the county’s agricultural economy through both domestic use and export.
3. Wheat: grown for milling and livestock feed.
4. Vegetables: peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes are important due to the region’s fertile soils and favorable climate.
5. Hay: widely grown to support the county’s livestock operations.

Kalamazoo County’s agriculture is diverse and productive, benefiting from fertile soils, a moderate climate, and a strong farming tradition. Corn and soybeans dominate the fields, serving both local and broader markets, while wheat and hay add to the variety of crops grown. The county is also known for its specialty vegetable production—such as peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes—supported by a mix of conventional and sustainable farming practices. Livestock operations, particularly cattle and poultry, contribute to the agricultural landscape, creating a balanced mix of row crops and animal agriculture.

The demand for farmland in Kalamazoo County remains steady, driven by a combination of agricultural opportunity, location advantages, and long-term investment potential. Its proximity to urban centers like Kalamazoo and Battle Creek adds value for buyers seeking both working farmland and properties with development possibilities. Competitive interest from farmers, investors, and rural lifestyle buyers keeps the market active, while the county’s strong agricultural base ensures that farmland continues to be an important and sought-after resource.

History & Background of Kalamazoo County, Michigan

County Seat: Kalamazoo

Townships: Kalamazoo / Portage / Oshtemo / Cooper / Comstock / Alamo / Brady / Charleston / Climax / Pavilion / Prairie / Ronde / Richland / Ross / Schoolcraft / Wakeshma

History: Established in 1830; Named after the Kalamazoo River, which runs through it.

Population: 264,780

Cities & Towns: Kalamazoo / Portage / Galesburg / Parchment / Augusta / Climax / Richland / Schoolcraft / Vicksburg / Westwood / Eastwood / Scotts / Comstock Northwest / South Gull Lake

Acreage: 371,200

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

The 2022 Ag Census for Kalamazoo County, Michigan, reported the following crop statistics: