Marion County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
In Marion County, 2024 brought another year of per-acre price growth, but early signs in 2025 suggest the market could be leveling off.
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*
$11,216/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $14,966/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $11,216/acre and the price per productivity index point was $119.79 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $14,966 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 and rural real estate were listed for sale in Marion County, Illinois, with a total value of roughly $31 million. Marion County ranks 19th in the Inland Empire for total acreage currently on the market, and Centralia tops the list as the area with the most land available. Over the same period, five properties sold through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program, totaling just over $843,000 in sales. Covering 576 square miles, Marion County is the 42nd largest county in Illinois and sits in the heart of the state’s Southern Illinois region.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Marion County, Illinois, is home to 881 farms, spanning roughly 246,700 acres of agricultural land. On average, each farm covers close to 280 acres, reflecting a mix of family-owned operations of varying sizes. Farmland use is well-divided: about 74% is cropland, around 5% serves as pasture, approximately 16% consists of woodland, and the remaining 5% falls into other uses.
Overview of Marion County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Marion County is located in Southern Illinois, bordered by Fayette, Clay, and Jefferson counties among others. The county features a mix of gently rolling farmland, woodlands, and small waterways, making it well-suited for agriculture and outdoor activities.
Major Crops:
- Corn: widely grown in Marion County and serves as a staple crop for both grain production and livestock feed.
- Soybeans: another major crop, playing a key role in crop rotation and the local agricultural economy.
- Wheat: cultivated as well, often used to diversify crop production and improve soil health.
Marion County, Illinois, boasts a robust agricultural sector characterized by approximately 881 farms covering about 246,700 acres. The county’s fertile soil and favorable climate support the cultivation of major crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. The average farm size has increased to around 280 acres, reflecting a trend toward larger, more efficient operations. Despite a slight decline in the number of farms since 2017, the county remains a significant contributor to Illinois’ agricultural output.
The demand for farmland in Marion County is influenced by its consistent agricultural productivity and strategic location within Southern Illinois. Land listings in the area often feature parcels ranging from 30 to 100 acres, appealing to both local farmers seeking expansion and investors interested in agricultural real estate. The county’s infrastructure, including access to major highways and proximity to markets, further enhances its attractiveness for agricultural investment. Overall, Marion County’s agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, ensuring its position as a key player in the state’s farming community.
History & Background of Marion County, Illinois
County Seat: Salem
Townships: Alma / Carrigan / Centralia / Foster / Haines / Luka / Kinmundy / Meacham / Odin / Omega / Patoka / Raccoon / Romine / Salem / Sandoval / Stevenson / Tonti
History: Established in 1823; Named for Revolutionary War General Francis Marion.
Population: 36,673
Cities & Towns: Salem / Centralia / Kinmundy / Wamac / Alma / Central City / Luka / Junction City / Kell / Odin / Patoka / Sandoval / Vernon / Walnut Hill / Greendale / Tonti
Acreage: 368,640
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Marion County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Marion County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 881
Land in farms (acres): 246,697
Average farm size (acres): 280
Total market value of products sold: $232,852,000
Government payments: $3,250,000
Farm-related income: $8,764,00
Total farm production expenses: $137,210,000
Net cash farm income: $107,655,000
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/cp17121.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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