Sullivan County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, nearly 3,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Sullivan County, Indiana, adding up to a significant amount of available rural property. Sullivan County currently ranks 61st out of Indiana’s 92 counties for total acreage on the market. A couple of properties were also reported as sold in the area through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program. Among all locations in the county, the city of Sullivan had the most land available. Sullivan County’s economy leans heavily on mining and mineral extraction, which continues to play a key role in shaping its local industries. The county itself covers about 454 square miles, making it the 19th largest in the state, and it’s situated in Indiana’s western region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Sullivan County, Indiana, supports a robust farming community with 411 farms managing approximately 176,600 acres–that’s an average of around 430 acres per farm, which is notably larger than the state average. About 89% of this land is cropland, while 2% supports pasture and 7% is woodland, illustrating a clear focus on crop production. Crop sales account for roughly 80% of farm income, with livestock operations contributing the remainder. Conservation methods are well established here, with 26% of farms using no-till, 24% relying on reduced tillage, 19% practicing intensive tillage, and 3% incorporating cover crops, reflecting a solid commitment to preserving soil health while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Overview of Sullivan County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Sullivan County is located in southwestern Indiana, nestled along the Wabash River and bordering Illinois. The county features a mix of fertile farmland, gently rolling hills, and forested areas, with a landscape shaped by its agricultural roots and proximity to both river and coal country.

Major Crops: 

1. Corn: one of the leading crops in Sullivan County, grown extensively across the county’s fertile fields for both grain and silage purposes.
2. Soybeans: widely planted as well, playing a major role in the county’s crop rotation systems and contributing significantly to local farm income.
3. Wheat: grown on a smaller scale, typically used to diversify crop production and take advantage of off-season planting.
4. Hay: also common in Sullivan County, supporting the county’s livestock operations and serving as a key forage crop.

Agriculture remains a vital part of Sullivan County’s economy and landscape, with large expanses of flat, fertile land ideal for row crop production. Corn and soybeans dominate the local farmland, with many farmers practicing crop rotation between the two to maintain soil health and yield. Wheat and hay are also grown, often supporting livestock operations or serving as secondary crops. The county’s rural character and strong farming tradition are reflected in the number of family-run farms that have been operating for generations, contributing to both the local food system and Indiana’s agricultural output.

In recent years, Sullivan County has seen a steady interest in its agricultural land, driven by its productive soils, accessibility, and potential for both traditional farming and recreational use. Buyers are often attracted to the balance between large contiguous acreage and more modest parcels suitable for homesteading or hobby farming. The county’s proximity to regional markets and continued investment in rural infrastructure have supported demand, especially as land in neighboring counties becomes more competitive. Whether for commercial agriculture, hunting, or long-term investment, farmland in Sullivan County continues to hold strong appeal.

History & Background of Sullivan County, Indiana

County Seat: Sullivan

Townships: Cass / Curry / Fairbanks / Gill / Haddon / Hamilton / Jackson / Jefferson / Turman

History: Established in 1817; Named for General Daniel Sullivan

Population: 20,757

Cities & Towns: Sullivan / Carlisle / Dugger / Farmersburg / Hymera / Merom / Shelburn / Cass / Fairbanks / Graysville / New Lebanon / Paxton / Pleasantville

Acreage: 286,000

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

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