Van Buren County, Michigan
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, nearly 4,000 acres of land were listed for sale in Van Buren County, totaling close to $158 million in value. The county currently ranks 10th in Michigan for the overall amount of land on the market, and two properties were recently sold through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program, together valued at $620,000. South Haven stood out as the area with the most land available. Covering about 1,089 square miles, Van Buren County is the 29th largest county in Michigan and sits in the state’s Southwest region.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Van Buren County, Michigan, is home to around 838 farms spanning approximately 131,500 acres, with an average farm size of about 157 acres–a landscape made up of family operations and mid-scale producers. The majority of that land–roughly 97,700 acres–is cropland, with notable portions dedicated to woodland (about 20,900 acres), some pasture, and other uses such as farm buildings or fallow fields. Crop production remains the backbone of agriculture here, accounting for about 71% of farm sales, with livestock and poultry making up the rest. Sustainable practices are gaining traction: approximately 15% of farms use no-till, another 14% employ reduced tillage, and a similar percentage use intensive tillage, while 12% have adopted cover cropping.

Overview of Van Buren County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Van Buren County is located in southwestern Michigan along the shores of Lake Michigan, giving it both fertile inland farmland and scenic lakefront landscapes. The county spans about 1,089 square miles, featuring a mix of rolling agricultural land, orchards, vineyards, and woodlands.

Major Crops:

1. Blueberries: Van Buren County is one of Michigan’s top blueberry producers, thanks to its sandy soils and ideal climate for fruit production.
2. Grapes: Vineyards thrive in the county, supporting both juice graph production and the growing local wine industry.
3. Apples: Apple orchards are abundant, making the county a key contributor to Michigan’s apple harvest each year.
4. Corn: Field corn is widely planted, providing feed for livestock as well as raw material for ethanol and other products.
5. Soybeans: Soybeans are another staple crop, value for their role in crop rotation and versatility in food and industrial uses.

Van Buren County has long been recognized for its rich and diverse agricultural landscape, shaped by its fertile soils and proximity to Lake Michigan, which moderates the climate. Fruit production is at the heart of the county’s identity, with blueberries, grapes, and apples leading the way. The county ranks among Michigan’s top blueberry producers, while its vineyards support both juice grape harvests and a growing wine industry. Alongside fruit, row crops such as corn and soybeans are widely grown, contributing to the overall strength and balance of the local farm economy. This mix of specialty crops and traditional field crops creates a vibrant agricultural sector that supports farmers, processors, and agritourism businesses alike.

The land market in Van Buren County reflects this agricultural vitality, with demand driven by both its established fruit-growing tradition and its versatility for other farming operations. Buyers are often drawn to the county for its reputation as a high-quality fruit belt, while others seek farmland for corn, soybeans, or mixed-use agricultural opportunities. Interest also comes from those looking to invest in recreational and rural properties, given the county’s scenic landscapes and access to Lake Michigan. Together, these factors create a steady demand for farmland, reinforcing Van Buren County’s role as one of Southwest Michigan’s most desirable areas for both farming and land ownership.

History & Background of Van Buren County, Michigan

County Seat: Paw Paw

Townships: Almena / Antwerp / Arlington / Bangor / Bloomingdale / Columbia / Covert / Decatur / Geneva / Hamilton / Hartford / Keeler / Lawrence / Paw Paw / Pine Grove / Porter / Waverly / Charter Township of South Haven

History: Established in 1829; Named after Martin Van Buren, who served as U.S. Secretary of State and later as President.

Population: 75,587

Cities & Towns: Bangor / Gobles / Hartford / South Haven / Bloomingdale / Breedsville / Decatur / Lawrence / Lawton / Mattawan / Paw Paw

Acreage: 388,480

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

The 2022 Ag Census for Van Buren County, Michigan, reported the following crop statistics: