Woodford County, Illinois
2024 Land Sales Report
Following several years of appreciation, Woodford County experienced another land value increase in 2024, with 2025 beginning to reflect a steadier market.
If you’d like to get specific land values on your own property or a farm near you for 2025, please contact Jeremy Thompson at (815) 351-5572.
Request a Land Values ReportAverage Price of Land*
$14,469/acre
Jan. – Dec. 2024*
As high as $18,066/acre
in 2024*
Land Market Commentary & Local Trends
Overall, the average price of farmland was $14,469/acre and the price per productivity index point was $95.90 in 2024 based on the sales data. It is important to note that in 2024 there have been farmland sales as high as $18,066 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, nearly 1,000 acres of farms and rural land were listed for sale in Woodford County, Illinois. Washburn stood out as the town with the most land available. While Woodford ranks 66th in the state for total acreage currently on the market, its economy is mainly driven by manufacturing and related services. Covering 542 square miles, Woodford County is the 50th largest county in Illinois and sits in the western part of the state.
The most recent USDA farmland census reveals that Woodford County, Illinois, has 412 farms operating across 277,669 acres of farmland, with an average farm size of about 279 acres. Most of that land–roughly 89%–is cropland, while remaining acreage includes pasture, woodland, and other uses. Farmers here are slowly moving toward more conservation-friendly methods: about 22% use no-till, 31% opt for reduced tillage, 25% rely on intensive tillage, and 15% of them incorporate cover crops to help sustain soil health.
Overview of Woodford County Agriculture
Location and Geography: Woodford County is located in central Illinois, just west of Peoria, and is part of the Peoria metropolitan area. The county features mostly flat to gently rolling farmland, with rich, productive soils that support its strong agricultural presence.
Major Crops:
- Corn: the primary crop in Woodford County, flourishing in the county’s fertile soils and serving as a key ingredient for livestock feed and biofuel.
- Soybeans: widely planted, valued for their versatility in food products, animal feed, and industrial uses.
- Wheat: grown on a smaller scale, often used in crop rotations to improve soil health and reduce pest pressures.
Woodford County’s agriculture is rooted in its rich, fertile soils and strong farming heritage. The county supports over 400 farms managing nearly 280,000 acres, with the vast majority dedicated to crop production. Corn and soybeans dominate the landscape, while wheat plays an important role in crop rotation strategies to maintain soil health. Livestock farming, especially hog production, also contributes significantly to the local agricultural economy. Farmers are increasingly adopting conservation practices like no-till, and cover cropping to protect soil quality and promote sustainability.
The demand for farmland in Woodford County remains steady, driven by local farmers aiming to expand and investors seeking productive agricultural land. While the market has seen some fluctuations, quality soil and well-located properties continue to attract attention. Washburn, as one of the key towns in the county, often features the most available land, making it a focal point for buyers interested in both farming and rural living. Overall, Woodford County maintains a balanced land market that reflects its strong agricultural roots and evolving economic landscape.
History & Background of Woodford County, Illinois
County Seat: Eureka
Townships: Akron / Barnes / Benson / Boynton / Eureka / Germantown / Gridley / Hebron / Metamora / Minonk / Panola / Patton / Spring Bay
History: Established in 1841; Named for Woodford County, Kentucky.
Population: 38,467
Cities & Towns: Eureka / Metamora / Minonk / Washburn / Germantown Hills / Panola
Acreage: 344,320
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the following crop statistics have been reported for Woodford County, Illinois.
The 2022 Ag Census for Woodford County, Illinois, reported the following crop statistics:
Number of farms: 997
Land in farms (acres): 277,669
Average farm size (acres): 279
Total market value of products sold: $344,839,000
Government payments: $4,256,000
Farm-related income: $15,091,000
Total farm production expenses: $242,393,000
Net cash farm income: $121,793,000
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/cp17203.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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