Illinois Farmland Prices September 2025: Auction Results & Market Trends
Welcome to Our Monthly Illinois Farmland Value Report
In this monthly report, Rachel Tiffany, Land Broker and Auctioneer dives into Illinois farmland values, helping you understand the factors that determine what your farm is potentially worth. Our goal as auctioneers and farmland real estate agents is to provide you with up-to-date information, recent sales data, expert insights, and tips for maximizing the potential value of your farmland sale. Let us answer the questions you have about selling farmland in Illinois. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Illinois Farmland Auction Results – September 2025 Market Update
Illinois Farmland Market Report – September 2025
September brought another month of steady Illinois farmland sales activity, even as overall economic indicators in rural areas showed signs of softening. While total sales volume and acres sold declined from August, prices remained strong across much of the state — particularly for high-quality tracts that drew competitive bidding.
Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index: September 2025 Report
Economic conditions in rural Illinois weakened in September, with the state’s Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) dropping to 24.8, down from 38.8 in August—well below the growth-neutral threshold of 50. Farmland prices showed a modest rebound, rising to 45.3 from 38.6, while new hiring slowed sharply to 36.8. According to USDA 2024 data, Illinois produced $22.5 billion in farm commodities, accounting for 4.4% of total U.S. output. The state remains a national leader in corn (15.2%) and soybean (16.3%) production.
September 2025 Snapshot (80%+ Tillable Farms)
- Total Sales: 20
- Total Acres Sold: 1,363.78 acres
- Tillable Acres: 1,322.73 acres
- Average Price per Tillable Acre: $15,137
- Average $/PI: $114
- Average Price per Acre (overall): $14,587
- High Sale (Peak $/acre): $18,900/acre (Rock Island County)
- Low Sale (Bottom $/acre): $7,050/acre (Clay County)
September brought another strong month for Illinois farmland, with 1,363.78 total acres sold and 1,322.73 tillable acres changing hands. The average price reached $15,137 per tillable acre and $114 per Productivity Index (PI) point, showing consistent buyer demand despite seasonal harvest pressures. High-quality tracts continued to perform well — led by a Rock Island County sale at $18,900 per acre — while the lowest sale of $7,050 per acre in Clay County reflected softer interest in lower-productivity soils. Overall, the market maintained solid momentum heading into fall, with strong results across northern and central Illinois counties including Henry, Macon, and Ogle.
See the full results of all farmland sold by auction this month at the end of the blog, along with graphs showing 12 months of data on price per acre, total acres sold, and average dollars per PI each month.
High-End Sales
- Rock Island County – 234.98 acres at $18,900/acre (Soil Score 136.3) $139/PI
- Henry County – 154 acres at $18,500/acre (Soil Score 140) $132/PI
- Adams County – 30 acres at $15,900/acre (Soil Score 136) $117/PI
These sales highlight continued strength in central Illinois, particularly in counties with highly productive soils.
Lower-End Sales
- Clay County – 23.06 acres at $7,050/acre (Soil Score 98.5) $72/PI
- Putnam County – 33.08 acres at $7,900/acre (Soil Score 124.3) $64/PI
Month-to-Month Comparison
In August 2025, Illinois recorded 2,062 acres sold (2,003 tillable) with an average of $12,881 per acre and $104 per PI, totaling $29.58 million in sales.
Comparatively, September’s total acreage declined by about one-third, while the average $/acre increased nearly 18%, reflecting the influence of those higher-end sales and a strong buyer appetite for Class A farmland.
| Metric | August 2025 | September 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Acres Sold | 2,062 acres | 1,363.78 acres | ▼ -34% |
| Tillable Acres | 2,003.27 acres | 1,322.73 acres | ▼ -34% |
| Average $/Acre | $12,881 | $14,587 | ▲ +13% |
| Average $/Tillable Acre | $14,076 | $15,137 | ▲ +8% |
| Average $/PI | $104 | $114 | ▲ +10% |
| Total Sales Volume | $29,580,596 | $20,676,992 | ▼ -30% |
Illinois farmland values increased in September 2025, driven largely by a few standout sales in Rock Island County.
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The average price per acre rose 13% to $14,587 and tillable acres averaged $15,137, boosted by three $18,900/acre tracts in Rock Island.
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The average $/PI also climbed 10% to $114, showing strong buyer competition for highly productive ground.
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Even though total acres sold dropped 34% and sales volume fell 30%, the market remained firm — reflecting continued strength in northern and central Illinois counties despite reduced inventory during harvest.
Year Change: September 2024 to September 2025
Far fewer acres traded hands in September 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, leading to a sharp drop in overall sales volume. Despite that, price per Productivity Index (PI) point rose slightly, suggesting that higher-quality land made up a larger portion of the September 2025 sales mix.
| Metric | Sept 2024 | Sept 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Acres Sold | 5,255.68 | 1,731.87 | ▼ –67% |
| Tillable Acres | 5,044.85 | 1,638.87 | ▼ –68% |
| Average $/Acre | $13,081 | $11,942 | ▼ –9% |
| Average $/PI | $99.66 | $104.59 | ▲ +5% |
| Total Sales Volume | $67,803,812 | $20,676,992 | ▼ –69% |
12-Month Rolling Totals (September 2024 – September 2025)
Looking at the big picture, farmland values remain very solid:
- Total Acres Sold: 34,924.69
- Average $/Acre: $13,323.16
- Average $/PI: $105.08
This long-term view shows farmland continues to be a stable and sought-after investment despite month-to-month fluctuations.
Auction Volume
Auction activity across Illinois has slowed compared to past years, with fewer acres changing hands overall. While total volume remains down from the highs of 2023 and 2024, we may still see a modest uptick in listings and sales activity as harvest wraps up and more sellers look to close before year-end. Demand remains strongest for high-quality, well-located tracts, which continue to bring strong per-acre prices, while lower-quality or irregular parcels are seeing less competition at auction. Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, overall auction volume is expected to stay moderate as landowners weigh interest rate pressures, input costs, and softer commodity prices. For those considering selling, the post-harvest period can still be a favorable window — especially for farms with strong soils, good access, and strong local tenant interest — but careful marketing and timing will be key to achieving top results.
Final Thoughts
Outlook for the Rest of 2025
Farmland auction volume has been trending lower compared to previous years, but activity is expected to pick up modestly following harvest. Sellers may see increased buyer engagement through late fall as farmers and investors look to make year-end purchases.
Even with softer rural economic indicators, demand for high-quality tracts remains strong, and competitive bidding continues where land offers strong soils, good drainage, and solid local tenant interest. Sellers of lower-quality or irregular parcels may face a slower market with fewer bidders.
Overall, Illinois farmland prices appear stable to slightly higher heading into year-end, while auction volume is likely to remain moderate as landowners weigh interest rate pressures, input costs, and commodity price uncertainty. For those considering a sale, the post-harvest period remains a favorable window, particularly when paired with strong marketing and auction exposure.
Rachel Tiffany
Auctioneer & Land Broker
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 515-954-8063
Assessing Your Farm’s Worth:
Illinois Land Market Analysis Appraisal Technique
Curious what your farm could sell for? We prepare market analysis for each of our farmland sellers to help you discover and learn what your farm is worth from our market based research and expertise. Fill out our form here to request a market analysis of your Illinois farmland or call us at 402-739-8696
RECENT FARMLAND SALES IN ILLINOIS
| County | Date Sold | Total Acres | Total Price | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | % Tillable | $/Tillable Acre | Soil Score | $/PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogle | 09/03/2025 | 149.33 | $2,299,682 | $15,400 | 147.74 | 98.94 | $15,565.74 | 121.3 | $127 |
| Adams | 09/04/2025 | 30.00 | $477,000 | $15,900 | 25.64 | 85.47 | $18,603.74 | 136.0 | $117 |
| Edgar | 09/04/2025 | 45.00 | $697,500 | $15,500 | 44.53 | 98.96 | $15,663.60 | 125.4 | $124 |
| Edgar | 09/04/2025 | 26.02 | $403,310 | $15,500 | 25.68 | 98.69 | $15,705.22 | 130.4 | $119 |
| Edgar | 09/04/2025 | 81.31 | $1,008,244 | $12,400 | 79.51 | 97.79 | $12,680.72 | 128.6 | $96 |
| Edgar | 09/04/2025 | 76.69 | $1,073,660 | $14,000 | 76.11 | 99.24 | $14,106.69 | 128.3 | $109 |
| Henry | 09/09/2025 | 154.00 | $2,849,000 | $18,500 | 148.69 | 96.55 | $19,160.67 | 140.0 | $132 |
| Champaign | 09/10/2025 | 127.79 | $1,673,984 | $13,100 | 127 | 99.38 | $13,181 | 125.8 | $104 |
| Effingham | 09/10/2025 | 15.00 | $195,000 | $13,000 | 14.82 | 98.80 | $13,157.89 | 110.6 | $118 |
| Rock Island | 09/10/2025 | 80.59 | $1,523,151 | $18,900 | 79.12 | 98.18 | $19,251.15 | 138.7 | $136 |
| Rock Island | 09/10/2025 | 74.19 | $1,402,191 | $18,900 | 73.17 | 98.63 | $19,163.47 | 134.6 | $140 |
| Rock Island | 09/10/2025 | 80.20 | $1,515,780 | $18,900 | 74.08 | 92.37 | $20,461.39 | 135.5 | $139 |
| Clay | 09/11/2025 | 23.06 | $162,573 | $7,050 | 21.40 | 92.80 | $7,596.87 | 98.5 | $72 |
| Macon | 09/11/2025 | 62.37 | $966,735 | $15,500 | 61.65 | 98.85 | $15,681.02 | 139.6 | $111 |
| Putnam | 09/15/2025 | 33.08 | $261,293 | $7,900 | 30 | 90.69 | $8,710 | 124.3 | $64 |
| Adams | 09/17/2025 | 38.07 | $536,787 | $14,100 | 36.38 | 95.56 | $14,755.00 | 109.5 | $129 |
| Iroquois | 09/18/2025 | 149.95 | $1,904,365 | $12,700 | 144.40 | 96.30 | $13,188.12 | 125.4 | $101 |
| Iroquois | 09/18/2025 | 39.83 | $621,348 | $15,600 | 38.68 | 97.11 | $16,063.81 | 130.4 | $120 |
| Henry | 09/24/2025 | 77.30 | $1,105,390 | $14,300 | 74.13 | 95.90 | $14,911.51 | 122.9 | $116 |
| Totals/Avg. | 1,363.78 | $20,676,992 | $14,587 | 1,322.73 | 96.33 | $15,137.23 | 126.6 | $114 |
Navigating the Selling Process:
Tips for Selling Your Farm in Illinois
Explore a set of practical tips for successfully selling your farmland by downloading our free eBooks here. Schedule a non obligatory consultation with us today and we will cover everything from when is the best time to sell, a customized marketing plan, sales methods, how we can help you find the right buyer, and answer your questions.
Farm Real Estate Experts in Illinois
Meet our team of Illinois farm real estate and auction experts who can provide you with valuable guidance and personalized assistance throughout the selling process. If you’re looking to uncover the true value of your Illinois farm or are considering selling, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to provide you with a customized plan to meet your goals. Contact us today to get started.