Macon County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Macon County land prices saw another increase during 2024, yet early 2025 activity suggests the sharp upward trend may be easing.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Matt Rhodes at (217) 251-7067 or Kyle Ogden at (217) 369-3306.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$14,206/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $18,132/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $14,206/acre and the price per productivity index point was $103.23 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $18,132 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, Macon County currently has about $19 million worth of land and rural real estate for sale, totaling around 1,000 acres, according to Land.com. It ranks 16th in the Inland Empire for the number of acres on the market. Recently, two properties sold through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program, bringing in a combined $969,500. Of all the cities in the county, Macon itself has the most land for sale. Known for its strong manufacturing and related services sector, Macon County spans 585 square miles, making it the 40th largest county in Illinois. It’s right in the heart of Central Illinois.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Macon County, Illinois, is home to 570 farms, managing around 259,085 acres of farmland in total. On average, each farm spans about 455 acres, with 95% of its sales coming from crops like corn and soybeans. When it comes to land use, approximately 94% of the land is cropland, with small percentages dedicated to pasture, woodland, or other uses. Farmers are stepping up their soil health efforts: 15% use no-till, 25% practice reduced tillage, 26% use intensive tillage, and 15% incorporate cover crops.
Overview of Macon County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Macon County is located in the heart of Central Illinois, with Decatur as its county seat. Covering about 585 square miles, the county features a mix of fertile farmland, small towns, and the Sangamon River winding through its landscape.
Major Crops:
- Corn: a dominant crop in Macon County, thriving in the area’s rich, fertile soils and forming the backbone of its agricultural economy.
- Soybeans: another leading crop, valued both for their versatility in food products and as a key component in livestock feed.
Macon County, Illinois, is a key agricultural hub in Central Illinois, known for its rich, fertile soils that support a strong farming community. The county’s agriculture is dominated by large-scale production of corn and soybeans, which thrive in the region’s flat terrain and favorable climate. With an average farm size of around 455 acres, local farmers benefit from well-established infrastructure including grain elevators and easy access to major highways, helping to efficiently move crops to market. The county’s agricultural history and resources make it a vital contributor to Illinois’ overall farming output.
Demand for farmland in Macon County remains steady, supported by the area’s reputation for productive soils and reliable crop yields. The land market stays active as both local farmers and investors seek opportunities to acquire or expand holdings. Recent activity shows consistent farmland transactions, reflecting continued confidence in the county’s agricultural potential and the long-term value of its land. This strong demand underscores Macon County’s position as a desirable area for farming and rural real estate investment.
History & Background of Macon County, Illinois
County Seat: Decatur
Townships: Blue Mound / Blue Ridge / Casner / Colfax / Creek / Decatur / Friends Creek / Hickory / Illini / Maroa / Mt. Zion / Oakley / South Wheatland / Whitmore / Willow Branch
History: Established in 1829; Named for Nathaniel Macon, a North Carolina statesman and U.S. Senator.
Population: 104,000
Cities & Towns: Decatur / Mt. Zion / Maroa / Forsyth / Harristown / Warrensburg / Long Creek / Oakley
Acreage: 374,000
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Macon County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Macon County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 570
Land in farms (acres): 259,085
Average farm size (acres): 455
Total market value of products sold: $291,479,000
Government payments: $2,022,000
Farm-related income: $7,069,000
Total farm production expenses: $181,630,000
Net cash farm income: $118,940,000
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/cp17115.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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