Lawrence County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Lawrence County, Illinois, with a total value of roughly $4 million. When it comes to the amount of land currently on the market, Lawrence County ranks 84th out of Illinois’ 102 counties. Lawrenceville leads the way with the most land for sale in the area. The local economy is heavily tied to mining and mineral extraction, industries that have long played a role in the county’s identity. Covering 374 square miles, Lawrence County is the 82nd largest in the state and sits in the Southern Illinois region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Lawrence County, Illinois, has 332 farms covering a total of 186,482 acres, with the average farm being just over 560 acres in size–marking a slight growth from five years prior. Farmin is primarily a crop driven activity–about 70% of the products sold are corps, while 30% are livestock and poultry. Most of the land, around 175,502 acres, is used as cropland, while smaller portions serve as pasture (1,314 acres), woodland (6,484 acres), and other uses (about 3,182 acres). Sustainability practices are present too: 42% of farms use no-till methods, 35% use reduced tillage, 20% use intensive tillage, and 11% employ cover crops.

Overview of Lawrence County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Lawrence County, Illinois, is located in the southeastern part of the state along the Wabash River, which forms its border with Indiana. The county’s landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling farmland, with fertile soils well-suited for row crops and small areas of woodland along waterways.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: a primary crop in Lawrence County, thriving in the county’s fertile soils and serving as a key commodity for grain and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: widely grown and often rotated with corn to maintain soil fertility and maximize yields.
3. Wheat: produced in smaller quantities, providing both a marketable grain crop and a cover for soil conservation.
4. Hay: hay and forage crops are also cultivated, supporting the county’s livestock operations.

Lawrence County, Illinois, has a strong agricultural base, with over 186,000 acres dedicated to farming across roughly 332 operations. The county’s landscape is dominated by cropland, with corn and soybeans serving as the primary crops, supplemented by wheat, hay, and forage crops. Livestock, particularly hogs and turkeys, also contributes to the county’s agricultural economy, though crop production accounts for the majority of farm output. Many farms are family-owned and have been passed down through generations, reflecting the deep-rooted agricultural traditions of the area.

Demand for farmland in Lawrence County remains steady, driven largely by the productivity of its soils and the established farming community. Local farmers often look to expand their operations, while outside investors occasionally enter the market seeking long-term agricultural assets. Parcels with high-quality cropland and good access to infrastructure are especially sought after, and tracts that combine tillable land with woodland or recreational appeal attract additional interest. Overall, the county’s farmland continues to be a valued resource, supporting both agricultural growth and the local economy.

History & Background of Lawrence County, Illinois

County Seat: Lawrenceville

Townships: Lawrence / Allison / Denison / Petty / Bond / Russell / Sumner / Petty / Christy / Bridgeport

History: Established in 1821; Named for Captain James Lawrence, a naval hero from the War of 1812.

Population: 15,280

Cities & Towns: Lawrenceville / Sumner / Bridgeport / St. Francisville / Russellville / Denison / Petty / Bond

Acreage: 224,949

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

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