LaSalle County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
In LaSalle County, per-acre land values climbed again in 2024 after years of steady gains, but early indicators show a possible shift toward stability in 2025.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Jeremy Thompson at (815) 351-5572.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$14,307/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $17,348/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $14,307/acre and the price per productivity index point was $106.55 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $17,348 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, about 2,000 acres of farms, hunting land, and other rural properties were listed for sale in LaSalle County, according to Land.com. That puts LaSalle County in the top ten statewide for the total acreage currently on the market. Sheridan stood out as the community with the most land available, offering plenty of options for buyers looking in the area.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that LaSalle County, Illinois, is home to 1,706 farms covering approximately 603,762 acres–a 5% increase in farmland since 2017–with an average farm size of about 354 acres, which is slightly smaller than in previous years. The vast majority of that land–roughly 575,000 acres–is dedicated to cropland, alongside smaller portions of pasture, woodland, and other uses. Local farmers are increasingly embracing soil-friendly farming practices: about 27% use no-till, 33% opt for reduced tillage, 35% use intensive tillage, and 7% employ cover crops to preserve soil health. Crops dominate the county’s production, accounting for approximately 95% of total agricultural sales, with livestock and related products making up the remaining 5%.
Overview of LaSalle County Agriculture
Location and Geography: LaSalle County, Illinois, is located in the north-central part of the state, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago. The county is characterized by fertile farmland, rolling prairies, and the Illinois River, which runs through its center and supports both agriculture and industry.
Major Crops:
- Corn: a leading crop, thriving in the county’s fertile prairie soils and supporting both livestock feed and ethanol production.
- Soybeans: widely grown, valued for their versatility in food products, livestock feed, and biodiesel.
- Wheat: produced on a smaller scale, contributing to grain markets and crop rotation practices that help maintain soil health.
Agriculture lies at the heart of LaSalle County, where 1,706 farms work across around 603,700 acres, averaging about 354 acres per farm. Nearly 95% of agricultural sales come from crops, with most of the land dedicated to cropland and only small segments used for pasture or woodland. Many farmers are turning to conservation farming: approximately 27% use no-till, 33% reduced tillage, 35% intensive tillage, and about 7% have started planting cover crops to keep soil healthy and productive.
The land market in LaSalle County reflects broader state trends toward stability. Farmland values across Illinois are moderating after years of rapid increases, and while demand remains steady—especially for properties with quality soils and strong production potential—sales activity has slowed, and inventories remain tighter. This balance has created a leveler market where thoughtful buyers and sellers are making more balanced decisions, particularly in areas prized for their agricultural productivity.
History & Background of LaSalle County, Illinois
County Seat: Ottawa
Townships: Adams / Allen / Brookfield / Bruce / Dayton / Dimmick / Eagle / Earl / Eden / Fall River / Farm Ridge / Freedom / Grand Rapids / Groveland / Hope / LaSalle / Manlius / Mendota / Meriden / Miller / Mission / Northville / Ophir / Osage / Ottawa / Otter Creek / Peru / Richland / Rutland / Serena / South Ottawa / Troy Grove / Utica / Vermillion / Wallace / Waltham
History: Established in 1831; Named for French explorer Rene-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle.
Population: 109,658
Cities & Towns: Ottawa / Peru / LaSalle / Streator / Mendota / Marseilles / Oglesby / Seneca / Earlville / Wenona
Acreage: 726,400
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for LaSalle County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for LaSalle County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 1,706
Land in farms (acres): 603,762
Average farm size (acres): 354
Total market value of products sold: $614,176,000
Government payments: $5,591,000
Farm-related income: $21,789,000
Total farm production expenses: $393,891,000
Net cash farm income: $247,665,000
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/cp17099.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
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