Shelby County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Shelby County saw strong per-acre value increases in 2024, but early 2025 trends indicate that the market may be beginning to flatten out.
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*
$7,927/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $13,733/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $7,927/acre and the price per productivity index point was $69.81 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $13,733 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 1,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Shelby County. When it comes to land available on the market, Shelby County ranks 79th out of Illinois’ 102 counties. Most of the land for sale in the area is around Shelbyville, the county’s main hub. Agriculture plays a big role in the local economy, with over 1,200 farms recorded in the latest U.S. Census. Farming here brings in significant revenue, mostly from crop production. Covering 768 square miles, Shelby County is one of the larger counties in Central Illinois.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Shelby County, Illinois, remains a strong agricultural community with over 1,200 farms operating across the area. The majority of the farmland is used for crop production, reflecting the county’s deep roots in agriculture. Farmers here continue to focus on growing key crops, which plays a major role in the local economy and help sustain the rural way of life in Shelby County.
Overview of Shelby County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Shelby County is located in the heart of Central Illinois, characterized by gently rolling plains and fertile farmland. Its landscape is primarily agricultural, with rich soil that supports a variety of crops and farming activities.
Major Crops:
- Corn: staple crop in Shelby County, widely grown for both livestock feed and biofuel production.
- Soybeans: another key crop, valued for their versatility in food products and industrial uses.
- Wheat: cultivated on a smaller scale but remains important for crop rotation and soil health.
- Alfalfa: grown primarily as a high-protein forage crop for livestock throughout the county.
Agriculture is the backbone of Shelby County, Illinois, with a strong emphasis on crop farming supported by more than a thousand farms across the region. The county’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it ideal for growing major crops like corn and soybeans, which dominate the landscape. Wheat and alfalfa also play important roles, contributing to crop diversity and supporting local livestock operations. This agricultural focus not only shapes the economy but also the culture and lifestyle of the community.
The demand for land in Shelby County reflects its agricultural significance, with a steady number of farms and rural properties actively listed for sale. Shelbyville, the county’s largest city, often features the most available acreage, making it a central hub for land transactions. With agriculture continuing to drive the local economy, interest in farmland remains consistent, fueled by both established farmers looking to expand and new buyers eager to invest in this productive region.
History & Background of Shelby County, Illinois
County Seat: Shelbyville
Townships: Ash Grove / Big Spring / Clarksburg / Cold Spring / Dry Point / Flat Branch / Herrick / Holland / Lakewood / Moweaqua / Oconee / Okaw / Penn / Pickaway / Prairie / Richland / Ridge / Rose / Rural / Shelbyville / Sigel / Todds Point / Tower Hill / Windsor
History: Established in 1827; Named for Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and former Governor of Kentucky.
Population: 20,568
Cities & Towns: Shelbyville / Windsor / Sigel / Cowden / Findlay / Herrick / Moweaqua / Oconee / Stewardson / Strasburg / Tower Hill / Lakewood / Westervelt / Clarksburg / Henton / Mode
Acreage: 491,520
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Shelby County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Shelby County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 1,199
Land in farms (acres): 359,447
Average farm size (acres): 300
Total market value of products sold: $335,045,000
Government payments: $4,321,000
Farm-related income: $14,976,000
Total farm production expenses: $213,997,000
Net cash farm income: $140,345,000
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/cp17173.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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