Kankakee County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 2,000 acres of farms and rural land have been listed for sale in Kankakee County, with a combined value nearing $54 million, according to Land.com. The county ranks 24th out of Illinois’ 102 counties for total acreage currently on the market, with the city of Kankakee leading the way in listings. Covering 681 square miles, Kankakee County is the 28th largest county in the state and sits in Northern Illinois, offering a mix of farmland and rural real estate that draws interest from buyers across the region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Kankakee, County, Illinois supports a vibrant farming community, with 738 farms covering about 322,000 acres, and the average farm spans approximately 436 acres–a modest increase since 2017. Nearly all of this land is active cropland–around 309,000 acres–with only small portions dedicated to pasture, woodland, or other uses. Farmers here are already embracing conservation-minded techniques: about 32% use no-till, 36% reduced tillage, 29% rely on intensive tillage, and 11% have adopted cover cropping to preserve soil health.

Overview of Kankakee County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Kankakee County is located in northeastern Illinois, about 50 miles south of Chicago, with the Kankakee River flowing through its center and serving as a key natural feature. The county’s landscape is mostly flat to gently rolling farmland, part of the rich and fertile prairie soils of the Corn Belt.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: the leading crop in Kankakee County, thriving in the area’s fertile prairie soils and playing a central role in both grain and livestock feed production.
2. Soybeans: another major crop, valued for their versatility in food products, livestock feed, and industrial uses.
3. Hay: Kankakee County also produces significant amounts of hay, which supports the county’s livestock operations.
4. Wheat: grown in smaller quantities but remains important for crop rotation and local grain markets.

Agriculture plays a vital role in Kankakee County, Illinois, where rich, fertile soils and a favorable climate support a strong mix of crop and livestock production. The county’s farmland is primarily dedicated to corn and soybeans, which are the backbone of the local agricultural economy. Many farmers also grow hay and wheat, contributing to diversified crop rotations that help maintain soil health. In addition to crop farming, livestock operations are an important part of the landscape, supported by the abundant forage crops grown throughout the county

The land market in Kankakee County remains active and competitive, fueled by consistent demand from both established farmers and investors interested in high-quality farmland. Its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area adds to the appeal of rural properties, offering opportunities for agriculture as well as potential future development. This combination of productive farmland and strategic location ensures steady interest in the area’s rural real estate, making Kankakee County a key player in Illinois’ agricultural landscape.

History & Background of Kankakee County, Illinois

County Seat: Kankakee

Townships: Aroma / Bourbonnais / Essex / Ganeer / Kankakee / Limestone / Manteno / Momence / Norton / Otto / Pembroke / Pilot / Rockville / St. Anne / Salina / Summer / Yellowhead

History: Established in 1853; Named after the Kankakee River.

Population: 105,940

Cities & Towns: Kankakee / Bourbonnais / Bradley / Aroma Park / Bonfield / Chebanse / Essex / Grant Park / Herscher / Hopkins Park / Limestone / Manteno / Reddick / St. Anne / Sun River Terrance / Union Hill / Sammons Point / Buckingham / Irwin

Acreage: 433,280

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

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