Whitley County, Indiana
2024 Land Sales Report

According to Land.com, about 1,000 acres of land went up for sale in Whitley County, Indiana, with a total asking price around $40 million. When it comes to land currently on the market, Whitley County ranks 41st out of Indiana’s 92 counties. Columbia City had the most listings among the local towns. Covering 377 square miles, Whitley County is the 74th largest county in the state and sits in the eastern part of Indiana.

The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Whitley County’s farm has been going through some quiet but noticeable changes lately. The number of farms has dipped slightly – from 696 down to 647 – and total farmland has shrunk by about 14,000 acres since 2017. Still, farming remains a huge part of life here. Corn and soybeans dominate the fields, with solid yields last year – nearly 182 bushels per acre for corn and just over 53 for soybeans. Wheat is also doing well, ranking Whitley 12th in the state. Livestock continues to be a stronghold too, especially hog farming, where the county ranks among Indiana’s top producers. Despite the shifts in land use, local farmers brough in nearly $200 million in receipts in 2022, and net income rose slightly to almost $60 million. So, while the landscape is changing a bit, agriculture is still thriving in Whitley County.

Overview of Whitley County Agriculture

Location and Geography: Whitley County is located in northeastern Indiana, within the East Indiana region. It spans about 337 square miles of mostly rural, gently rolling land, dotted with small towns, farmland, and several lakes.

Major Crops:

1. Corn: One of Whitley County’s leading crops, widely grown across the county’s farmland and used for grain, livestock feed, and ethanol production.
2. Soybeans: A staple in the county’s crop rotation, valued both for their market demand and soil-enriching properties.
3. Wheat: Soft red winter wheat is commonly grown in Whitley County, often planted after soybean harvests and used in milling for flour and animal feed.
4. Hay: An important forage crop in the county, supporting local livestock operations throughout the year.

Whitley County remains at its agricultural heart, with much of its nearly 336 square miles devoted to row crops and livestock. Corn, soybeans, and wheat dominate production, complemented by a solid livestock sector anchored in hogs and dairy. While the total acreage devoted to farming has slightly declined over recent years and the number of farms has modestly decreased, those farms that remain continue to maintain strong yields and production levels – keeping agriculture central to the county’s identity.

The demand for farmland across Indiana – and by extension in Whitley County – has been remarkably robust. Statewide land values have surged to record highs, driven by limited supply and strong buyer liquidity, even amid pressure from rising interest rates and softer commodity returns.

History & Background of Whitley County, Indiana

County Seat: Columbia City

Townships: Cleveland / Columbia / Etna-Troy / Jefferson / Richland / Smith / Thorncreek / Union / Washington

History: Founded in 1835; named for Colonel William Whitley, who died at the Battle of the Thames in the War of 1812

Population: 34,191

Cities & Towns: Churubusco / Columbia City / Larwill / South Whitley

Acreage: 216,261

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

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