St. Joseph County, Michigan
2024 Land Sales Report

St. Joseph County, Michigan currently has approximately 1,000 acres of land and rural real estate listed for sale, with a total estimated value of around $86 million. The county ranks 36th out of Michigan’s 83 counties for the total acreage currently on the market. Among all areas within the county, Three Rivers has the most land available. St. Joseph County spans 521 square miles – 501 of land and 20 of water – making it the fourth smallest county in Michigan by total area. The local economy is strongly agricultural, with 763 farms operating across more than 238,000 acres, including over 210,000 acres of cropland.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that St. Joseph County, Michigan, is home to 763 farms managing about 238,547 acres of farmland, with average farms spanning roughly 313 acres–a bit larger than in many other Michigan counties. The county’s agricultural land is predominantly cropland (around 210,900 acres), with smaller portions in woodland, pasture, and other uses. Crop production generates about 70% of farm sales, underscoring its importance, while livestock and poultry make up the remaining 30%. In terms of land practices, many farmers are adopting conservation methods–approximately 20% report using no-till, 21% use reduced tillage, and 18% practice cover cropping.

Overview of St. Joseph County Agriculture

Location and Geography: St. Joseph County is located in southwestern Michigan along the Indiana border, giving it strong ties to both states’ agricultural economies. The county’s geography is defined by fertile farmland, gently rolling terrain, and numerous lakes and rivers, including the St. Joseph River, which plays a central role in the landscape.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: Corn is one of the county’s leading crops, thriving in its fertile soils and playing a major role in both grain and livestock feed markets.
2. Soybeans: Soybeans are widely grown across St. Joseph County, contributing to crop rotations that support soil health and strong yields.
3. Hay/Forage: Hay and other forage crops are essential for the county’s livestock operations, especially dairy and beef cattle.
4. Wheat: Wheat is also grown here, adding diversity to the county’s agricultural output and serving both local and regional markets.

St. Joseph County, Michigan, has long been recognized as one of the state’s most productive agricultural regions, thanks to its rich soils, flat terrain, and favorable growing conditions. Farmers in the county produce a wide variety of crops, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and forage crops forming the backbone of the local economy. The strong dairy and livestock presence in the area also benefits from the abundance of feed crops, making agriculture here both diverse and deeply interconnected. In addition, the county’s balance of row crops and livestock operations helps maintain soil health and supports a resilient farming community.

This strong agricultural foundation has also created steady interest in the county’s land market. Productive farmland in St. Joseph County is highly sought after, with buyers often drawn to its consistent yields and the long-standing reputation of the region as prime farm country. Whether for expanding operations, investment purposes, or generational farming transitions, demand for farmland here remains strong. As a result, agriculture continues to shape not only the local economy but also the land market, making St. Joseph County an area where farming and real estate remain closely linked.

History & Background of St. Joseph County, Michigan

County Seat: Centreville

Townships: Burr Oak / Colon / Constantine / Fabius / Fawn River / Florence / Flowerfield / Leonidas / Lockport / Mendon / Mottville / Nottawa / Park / Sherman / Sturgis / White Pigeon

History: Established in 1829; Named after the St. Joseph River.

Population: 61,171

Cities & Towns: Sturgis / Three Rivers / Burr Oak / Centreville / Colon / Constantine / Mendon / White Pigeon / Findley / Leonidas / Mottville / Nottawa / Parkville / Wasepi

Acreage: 320,640

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

The 2022 Ag Census for St. Joseph County, Michigan, reported the following crop statistics: