Orange County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,600 acres of land were listed for sale in Orange County, making it one of the more active counties in Indiana’s land market—ranking 33rd in the state for total acreage on the market. The area seeing the most listings was French Lick, a town known for its scenic charm and tourism appeal. A couple of properties were also marked as sold through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program. Thanks to its natural beauty and recreational attractions, tourism plays a big role in Orange County’s economy. Covering roughly 408 square miles, Orange County sits in the scenic South Indiana region and continues to draw interest from both buyers and visitors alike.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that agriculture in Orange County, Indiana, remains solid, with approximately 425 farms managing roughly 95,300 acres. The average farm spans about 224 acres, and while cropland makes up around 58% of that acreage, another 21% is woodland, and 10% is pasture, indicating a balanced mix of land uses. Farm income here is heavily weighted toward animals–livestock, poultry, and related products account for about 87% of sales, compared to 13% from crops. Sustainable soil management is on the radar too: around 19% of farms use no-till, 4% use reduced tillage, 5% use intensive tillage, and 10% plant cover crops, which suggests farmers are taking thoughtful steps to maintain long-term land health.

Overview of Orange County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Orange County, Indiana is located in the scenic South-Central region of the state, nestled within the rolling hills of the Hoosier Uplands. Known for its natural beauty, the county features a mix of forested areas, small farms, and limestone terrain, with portions of Hoosier National Forest and Patoka Lake contributing to its rural charm and recreational appeal.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: widely grown throughout Orange County and serves as a staple crop for both grain and livestock feed.
2. Soybeans: another dominant crop in the area, valued for their versatility and contribution to both food and industrial products.
3. Hay: production is common in the county and supports local livestock and equine industries.
4. Wheat: also cultivated on a smaller scale, often used in crop rotation to maintain soil health and productivity.

Agriculture in Orange County, Indiana, plays a vital role in the local economy, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops grown by area farmers. These crops not only support regional food production but also contribute to livestock feed and various industrial uses. Hay production is also significant, helping sustain the county’s livestock operations, while wheat is grown on a smaller scale, often as part of crop rotation to maintain soil health and fertility. The county’s farming landscape is characterized by a mix of traditional row crops and pastureland, reflecting the diverse agricultural practices that thrive in the region’s climate and soil conditions.

The demand for rural land in Orange County remains steady, driven by both active farmers looking to expand operations and new buyers interested in recreational properties or small-scale farming. Areas near French Lick, known for its natural beauty and tourism appeal, often see more interest from those seeking a balance between agricultural use and lifestyle amenities. Overall, the land market in Orange County reflects a healthy mix of agricultural productivity and growing interest in rural living, maintaining a stable environment for both landowners and buyers.

History & Background of Orange County, Indiana

County Seat: Paoli

Townships: French Lick / Greenfield / Jackosn / Lebanon / Liberty / North / Paoli / Orangeville / West Baden / Wood

History: Established in 1815; Named for the Dutch Protestant House of Orange, which accessed the English throne with the accession of King WIlliam III.

Population: 19,867

Cities & Towns: Paoli / Orleans / West Baden Springs / French Lick

Acreage: 254,976

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

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