Kendall County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 2,000 acres of land went up for sale in Kendall County, Illinois, including farms, rural properties, hunting land, and more. The county currently ranks 17th out of Illinois’s 102 counties for the total amount of land listed, with Oswego leading the way as the community with the most land available. Located in the Northern Illinois region, Kendall County covers about 322 square miles, making it the 89th largest county in the state.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that in Kendall County, Illinois, agriculture is robust and efficient. The county boasts 383 farms spanning roughly 129,224 acres, which works out to a healthy average farm size of about 337 acres. Almost all of that land–around 94%– is cropland, with small tracts dedicated to woodland, pasture, and other uses. Farmers here are also embracing more sustainable soil practices: 27% use no-till, 30% go for reduced tillage, 23% rely on intensive tillage, and 3% incorporate cover crops into their operations.

Overview of Kendall County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Kendall County is located in northeastern Illinois, just southwest of the Chicago metropolitan area. The county features gently rolling farmland, a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, and is bordered by the Fox River, which runs through several of its communities.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a staple crop in Kendall County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and forming a major part of the local agricultural economy.
2. Soybeans: widely cultivated throughout the county, often rotated with corn to maintain soil health and maximize yields.
3. Wheat: also grown in smaller quantities, contributing to crop diversity and providing an early-season harvest option for farmers.
4. Hay and other forage crops: raised primarily to support local livestock operations and help sustain soil fertility in rotational planting systems.

Kendall County, Illinois, is known for its productive farmland and strong agricultural heritage. The county’s fertile soils and relatively flat terrain make it ideal for growing staple crops like corn and soybeans, which dominate the landscape and drive the local farming economy. Many farms in the area use crop rotation practices, incorporating wheat and forage crops like hay to support livestock operations and maintain soil health. Though the county has experienced suburban growth due to its proximity to the Chicago metro area, agriculture remains a vital part of the local identity and economy.

In recent years, there has been steady interest in land ownership throughout Kendall County. While farmland remains valuable for its productive capacity, there’s also growing demand due to the county’s mix of rural charm and easy access to urban centers. Buyers are drawn to the area for both farming opportunities and long-term investment potential, making the land market in Kendall County active and competitive.

History & Background of Kendall County, Illinois

County Seat: Yorkville

Townships: Big Grove / Bristol / Fox / Kendall / Lisbon / Little Rock / Na-Au-Say / Seward

History: Established in 1841; Named for Amos Kendall, Postmaster General in Andrew Jackson’s Cabinet.

Population: 131,869

Cities & Towns: Aurora / Joliet / Plano / Sandwich / Yorkville / Lisbon / Millbrook / Millington / Minooka / Montgomery / Newark / Oswego / Plainfield / Plattville

Acreage: 204,800

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

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