Livingston County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, nearly 1,000 acres of farms, hunting land, and rural properties were listed for sale in Livingston County, Illinois, totaling close to $8 million on Land.com. This puts Livingston County at 82nd out of 102 counties in the state for the amount of land currently on the market. Among the local areas, Pontiac stands out with the most land available for sale. Covering 1,045 square miles, Livingston County is one of the ten largest counties in Illinois and is situated right in the heart of Central Illinois.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Livingston County, Illinois, is a solid agricultural powerhouse, with 1,448 farms managing a total of about 606,271 acres of farmland. Most of that land–579,188 acres–is cropland, while smaller amounts are dedicated to permanent pasture, rangeland, and woodland. Farmers here embrace environmentally conscious methods: around 32% use no-till, 41% reduced tillage, 34% intensive tillage, and about 9% utilize cover crops to help preserve soil health.

Overview of Livingston County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Livingston County is located in the heart of Central Illinois, characterized by its vast, mostly flat farmland that makes it ideal for large-scale agricultural production. The county’s landscape is dominated by rich prairie soils and gently rolling terrain, with several small rivers and streams weaving through the area.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: the primary crop in Livingston County, thriving in the fertile prairie soils and serving as a key component for both grain markets and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: widely grown as a complementary crop to corn, playing an important role in crop rotation and supporting sustainable soil health.
3. Wheat: cultivated on a smaller scale, often used as a cover crop or for grain production during cooler growing seasons.
4. Hay: production supports the county’s livestock industry by providing essential forage for cattle and other animals.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Livingston County, Illinois, where expansive fields and rich prairie soils create ideal conditions for crop production. The county’s farms primarily focus on growing corn and soybeans, which dominate the landscape and serve as staples for both local and regional markets. Wheat and hay are also important crops, contributing to diversified rotations and supporting livestock operations. Farmers in Livingston County are increasingly adopting conservation practices such as no-till and reduced tillage to maintain soil health and ensure long-term productivity.

The land market in Livingston County reflects its strong agricultural foundation, with steady demand from farmers looking to expand their operations as well as investors interested in stable farmland assets. Its central location in Illinois and the availability of large, contiguous tracts of productive land make it appealing for both crop production and potential future development. This balance between agricultural vitality and market interest keeps Livingston County’s farmland a valuable and sought-after resource in the region.

History & Background of Livingston County, Illinois

County Seat: Pontiac

Townships: Avoca / Bellaire / Charlotte / Cornell / Long Point / Louisville / Owego / Pontiac / Rooks Creek / Round Grove / Saunemin / Sunbury / Union / Vermillion / Watseka / Worthington

History: Established in 1837; Named for Edward Livingston, a prominent statesman of the era.

Population: 35,664

Cities & Towns: Pontiac / Chatsworth / Oglesby / Fairbury / Dwight / Saunemin / Round Grove / Cornell

Acreage: 667,360

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

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