Palo Alto County, Iowa Farmland Values and Land Auction Information

The following information is from Iowa State University’s Land Survey that’s released each December. It is only a guide and won’t apply exactly to your farmland.  Last update 12/2023. Data on this page can be up to 12 months old. To see current Iowa land prices and most recent farmland sales results click here

Palo Alto County Iowa Farmland Value Profile

Palo Alto County Iowa Farmland Value Profile
  • The average value of farmland in Palo Alto County is $13,525 per acre which was up $77 from 2022 to 2023.
  • The average price of tillable farmland per CSR2 point in Palo Alto County is $164.94 for 2023 land auctions.
  • Palo Alto County is ranked #26 in the state of Iowa in average dollars per acre for tillable farmland.
  • The highest sale of farmland in Palo Alto County in 2023 was $18,664 per acre.
Location Northwest, Iowa
County Size 564 sq. miles
Total Acres 327,733
Cropland Acres 305,714
Average Price Per Acre Farmland $13,525
Average Price Per Acre for Northwest, IA $14,753
CSR2 Weighted Average 77
CSR2 Cropland Average 82
State Average CSR2 68.6
Average Price per CSR2 $164.94
Average County Rent $283
Rent Range $239-$332
Average rent for Northwest, Iowa $302
Rent per CSR2 Point $3.45
Improved Permanent Pasture $92
Unimproved Permanent Pasture $48
Stalk Grazing per Acre $13
Hunting Rights per Acre $15
If you have questions about selling farmland see our Iowa Farmland Sales FAQ or get a Free Farmland Market Analysis.

Towns: Ayrshire, Emmetsburg, Rodman, Curlew, Graettinger, Ruthven, Cylinder, Mallard, West Bend

Unincorporated Areas:

Townships: Lost Island, Walnut, Veon, Independence, Highland, Emmetsburg, Freedom, Fairfield, Silver Lake, Great Oak, Nevada, Fe Valley, Booth, Rush Lake, Blington, West Bend

History: Palo Alto County is located in the northwest region of the state of Iowa. The county has a total area of 569 square miles that contain a variety of lakes including Five Island Lake, Lost Island Lake, Rush Lake, and Silver Lake. Communities include Ayrshire, Curlew, Cylinder, Emmetsburg, Graettinger, Mallard, Rodman, Ruthven and West Bend.

The population of Palo Alto County is 9,421 (according to the 2010 census). County business is done at the county seat in Emmetsburg. Most offices are located at the historic 1880s courthouse located downtown near the business district.

Palo Alto County Iowa Farmland Sales Resources

Selling Land with DreamDirt

When it comes to marketing and selling your land, having the right team and the right tactics is of invaluable importance. As professionals in the rural real estate and auction industry, our team has assisted family heirs and farmers in over 9,000 transactions and counting! Not sure where to start? Learn more about our land sales process, explore frequently asked questions, or simply let our team know you’d like to talk.

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Learn More About Current Iowa Farmland Prices here

Recent Farmland Sales in this County

11/15/23 65.7 Acres; $16,200/acre; 81.9 CSR2; 95% tillable

11/15/23 266.1 Acres; $11,650/acre; 82.9 CSR2; 97.5% tillable

11/15/23 112.6 Acres; $15,000/acre; 88.1 CSR2; 97.5% tillable

9/21/23 230.81 Acres; $17,500/acre; 85.5 CSR2; 98% tillable

9/21/23 79 Acres; $16,500/acre; 88.1 CSR2; 96.25% tillable

8/3/23 117 Acres; $14,700/acre; 85.4 CSR2; 98% tillable

5/31/23 35.76 Acres; $7,600/acre; 68.5 CSR2; 89% tillable

5/31/23 33.09 Acres; $16,400/acre; 71 CSR2; 96% tillable

2/22/23 130 Acres; $15,100/acre; 75.6 CSR2; 95% tillable

2/7/23 80 Acres; $18,664/acre; 78.3 CSR2; 96% tillable

1/24/23 160 Acres; $11,000/acre; 80.6 CSR2; 97% tillable

12/14/22 154 acres 143.67 tillable acres $14,700/acre 81.3 CSR2 $180.81/CSR2 $2,263,800 93.29% tillable

11/29/22 80 Acres; $11,800/acre; 79.5 CSR2; 96% tillable

11/2/22 39.72 Acres; $12,900/acre; 86.4 CSR2; 98% tillable

9/16/22 80 Acres; $12,400/acre; 85.4 CSR2; 98% tillable

8/11/22 113.08 Acres; $6,750/acre; 65.3 CSR2; 97% tillable

6/30/22 65 acres; $19,400/acre; 86.1 CSR2; $225.32/CSR2; 99.51% tillable

6/30/22 75 acres; $17,000/acre; 84.7 CSR2; $200.1/CSR2; 98.13% tillable

6/7/22 39.68 acres; $13,000/acre; 82.1 CSR2; $158.34/CSR2; 100% tillable

6/7/22 118.72 acres; $10,500/acre; 70.5 CSR2; $148.9/CSR2; 100% tillable

6/7/22 130.05 acres; $11,900/acre; 80.1 CSR2; $148.56/CSR2; 100% tillable

6/7/22 90.01 acres; $6,975/acre; 51.8 CSR2; $134.65/CSR2; 100% tillable

1/26/22 157.9 Acres; $12,100/acre; 82.1 CSR2; 91% tillable

Jason J. Smith, CAI

Photo of Jason Smith.

Palo Alto County Iowa Farmland Sales

(515) 537-6633, [email protected]

Licensed to sell real estate in the state of Iowa

Palo Alto Farmland Values and Averages

All farmland values for Palo Alto County are stated as averages and are not a guarantee of value in any given situation.  If you need a written farmland appraisal you should call us at 855-376-3478 to discuss how we can help you. Farmland prices can change quickly and some information on this website can be up to 12 months old depending on when you view it.  All sale results are dated so you can see the date of the sale however averages are calculated in December of each year and are based on a September to September study.

Learn More About Selling Iowa Land

You can find Farmland For Sale in Palo Alto County Iowa at bid.DreamDirt.com.  Need the advice of a qualified farmland professional?  Our professional staff of Iowa auctioneers and land brokers at DreamDirt would be happy to visit with you about your situation and help guide you through the process of making an informed decision about selling farmland.  Want to continue your research?  You can find a wealth of information on our Farmland Sales and Auction Blog.