Lawrence County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, around 2,000 acres of land went up for sale in Lawrence County, Indiana, putting it among the top 10 counties in the state for total acreage currently on the market. The bulk of the listings are centered around Bedford, which has the most land for sale in the area. Located in South Central Indiana, Lawrence County spans about 451 square miles, making it the 22nd largest county in the state. The mix of farmland and rural properties available reflects the county’s strong ties to both agriculture and outdoor living.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Lawrence County, Indiana, has 706 farms covering just over 117,000 acres, with an average farm size of about 166 acres. Of those farms, 415 are led by female producers, managing collectively 65,000 acres, giving an average of roughly 157 acres per female-led operation. This shows a significant and growing presence of women growers in the county’s farming landscape. Agricultural income is fairly balanced–about 69% comes from crop production like corn, soybeans, and hay, while the remaining 31% stems from livestock and related enterprises. Top crops by acreage include soybeans, followed closely by corn for grain, then forage (hay). While exact cultivation numbers aren’t listed, crops like wheat appear to be grown on a smaller scale. Overall, Lawrence County reflects a diverse and resilient agricultural community–blending row cropping with livestock farming and supported by a rising number of experienced women farm leaders.

Overview of Lawrence County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Lawrence County is located in south-central Indiana, nestled between Monroe and Orange counties. The terrain is a mix of gently rolling farmland and wooded hills, with parts of the scenic Hoosier National Forest stretching into its southern area.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: one of the leading crops in Lawrence County, providing a foundation for both grain sales and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: widely grown throughout the county, value for their versatility and role in crop rotation systems.
3. Hay: another significant crop, especially in areas where the land is better suited for pasture or forage rather than row crops.

Agriculture in Lawrence County, Indiana, plays an important role in the local economy, even though the region is known for its rugged terrain and rolling hills more than its vast row crop operations. Local farms focus primarily on corn, soybeans, and hay, with producers adapting to the diverse topography by combining row crops with pastureland and smaller-scale livestock operations. While not as heavily farmed as some neighboring counties, Lawrence County maintains a strong agricultural presence with a mix of generational family farms and newer operations contributing to the rural landscape.

In recent years, demand for land in Lawrence County has remained steady. Buyers are drawn to the area not only for agricultural potential but also for recreational uses and rural residential development. With its proximity to Bloomington and natural scenic beauty, the county continues to see interest from both local and out-of-county investors. This blend of agricultural tradition and lifestyle appeal helps keep the land market active and dynamic across the region.

History & Background of Lawrence County, Indiana

County Seat: Bedford

Townships: Beech Creek / Cass / Center / Fairplay / Grant / Highland / Jackson / Jefferson / Richland / Smith / Stafford / Stockton / Taylor / Washington / Wright

History: Established in 1812; Named for Captain James Lawrence.

Population: 44,790

Cities & Towns: Bedford / Mitchell / Oolitic / Avoca / Williams / Fayetteville / Heltonville / Springville

Acreage: 287,000

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

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