Unlocking the Value of Iowa Farmland: A Comprehensive Guide to Current Land Prices and Expert Insights - December 2024 Report
Welcome to Our Monthly Iowa Farmland Value Report
In this monthly report, we dive into Iowa 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 Iowa. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Iowa Farmland Values:
Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) – December 2024 Update
Iowa Farmland Prices: December 2024 Snapshot
The latest Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) survey sheds light on the challenges facing Iowa’s agricultural economy. For the seventh time in the past eight months, farmland prices in Iowa and neighboring states have declined. In December, Iowa’s farmland price index registered a modest increase to 41.5, up slightly from 41.1 in November, but still well below the growth-neutral threshold of 50.0. This dip reflects a broader regional trend influenced by elevated interest rates, rising input costs, and persistently low commodity prices.
Despite the headwinds, the survey also noted some resilience in agricultural exports. According to trade data from the International Trade Association (ITA), regional agricultural exports rose by 2.8% year-over-year, reaching $9.98 billion for 2024 year-to-date. However, Iowa’s agricultural exports saw a slight decline, dropping to $1.27 billion from $1.28 billion in 2023, marking a 1.3% decrease. This mixed picture highlights the uneven impact of economic pressures across the region.
Broader Economic Trends Impacting Farmland Values
The December RMI revealed a steep decline in the overall rural economic outlook, with the index plummeting to 39.6 from 50.2 in November. Bankers reported that many farmers continue to grapple with high borrowing costs, weak grain prices, and reduced cash flows, creating a pessimistic outlook for the months ahead. Approximately 21.7% of surveyed banks reported raising credit standards in the past year, reflecting tighter financial conditions.
Farm equipment sales also reached their lowest level since 2016, contributing to the broader economic strain on rural communities. Meanwhile, confidence among rural bankers about future economic growth dropped sharply, with December’s confidence index falling to 37.5 from November’s 46.4.
For more detailed information, visit the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Economy page.
Recent Farmland Sales Data
Let’s dive into the latest sales data, including county location, land size by acre amount, soil productivity ratings, and sale prices per acre and total price in the table below. By analyzing this data, you can get a clearer picture of how your property may be valued in the current market.
Current Average Price Per Acre of Farmland in Iowa
- In the month of December, a total of 7,007 acres of 80% of more tillable farmland was sold in Iowa by auction
- The current average per acre price for land in Iowa according to Decmeber Auction sales is $11,688 per acre
- The highest selling farm in Iowa in the month of December sold on the 12th in Sioux County for $3,523,316.
- This farm was sold by the auction method for $21,800 per acre and was 161.62 acres of farmland which has a soil score rating of 94.7 CSR2 calculating to be $230/CSR point.
- The highest dollars per acre farm in Iowa that sold in the month of December went to a 76.56 acre tillable farm in Sioux County which sold for $26,750 per acre on December 23rd, 2024 by auction. This farm has a 95 CSR2 which totals to be $282/CSR2.
- See full results from all tracts of farmland that sold in table at end of the page.
- See how these averages compared to last month and a year ago below in next section below to see trend line history.

Jason J Smith
Auctioneer & Land Broker
Jason is an experienced farmland broker and auctioneer with extensive experience in farmland sales across this Midwest. Jason has worked with hundreds of clients to create advantageous outcomes. If you are selling land schedule a consultation with Jason by calling or using the calendar.
Phone: 515-537-6633 Email: [email protected]
Current Farmland Prices in Iowa: A 12-Month Overview

Monthly Number of Acres Sold At Auction 80% or more Tillable Farms

Monthly Iowa Auction Results: Average Price Per CSR2 Point

Recently Sold Land in Iowa Price Results
Date | County | Acres | $/Acre | Tillable Acres | % Tillable | Tillable CSR2 | $/CSR2 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12/02/2024 | Carroll | 52.55 | $17,900 | 51.78 | 98.53 | 87.6 | $204.00 | $940,645 |
12/02/2024 | Cass | 119 | $9,700 | 115.63 | 97.17 | 70.8 | $137.00 | $1,154,300 |
12/02/2024 | Carroll | 78.69 | $17,400 | 77.5 | 98.49 | 86 | $202.00 | $1,369,206 |
12/03/2024 | Union | 62.45 | $9,900 | 58.35 | 93.43 | 65 | $152.00 | $618,255 |
12/03/2024 | Union | 117 | $7,000 | 104.69 | 89.48 | 58 | $121.00 | $819,000 |
12/03/2024 | Story | 80 | $15,200 | 79 | 98.75 | 82.7 | $184.00 | $1,216,000 |
12/03/2024 | Story | 115.09 | $15,000 | 111.79 | 97.13 | 84.4 | $178.00 | $1,726,350 |
12/03/2024 | Hardin | 244.45 | $10,000 | 218.79 | 89.50 | 81.9 | $122.00 | $2,444,500 |
12/04/2024 | Clayton | 42.77 | $9,400 | 39.91 | 93.31 | 29.3 | $321.00 | $402,038 |
12/04/2024 | Louisa | 79.39 | $5,450 | 64.89 | 81.74 | 56.6 | $96.00 | $432,676 |
12/04/2024 | Woodbury | 72.07 | $6,500 | 70 | 97.13 | 51.9 | $125.00 | $468,455 |
12/04/2024 | Clayton | 76.18 | $9,600 | 66.72 | 87.58 | 20.5 | $468.00 | $731,328 |
12/04/2024 | Louisa | 131.68 | $5,950 | 121.68 | 92.41 | 54.7 | $109.00 | $783,496 |
12/04/2024 | Shelby | 71.22 | $11,036 | 68.01 | 95.49 | 51.2 | $216.00 | $785,984 |
12/04/2024 | Louisa | 122.67 | $7,600 | 116.77 | 95.19 | 68.1 | $112.00 | $932,292 |
12/04/2024 | Sioux | 75.68 | $15,550 | 75.68 | 100.00 | 84.5 | $184.00 | $1,176,824 |
12/04/2024 | Sac | 157.82 | $14,100 | 157.45 | 99.77 | 88.6 | $159.00 | $2,225,262 |
12/05/2024 | Kossuth | 41.3 | $15,600 | 40 | 96.85 | 87.9 | $177.00 | $644,280 |
12/05/2024 | Kossuth | 67.84 | $15,300 | 66.67 | 98.28 | 84.2 | $182.00 | $1,037,952 |
12/05/2024 | Wayne | 170.66 | $6,700 | 158.25 | 92.73 | 51.9 | $129.00 | $1,143,422 |
12/05/2024 | Wayne | 152.84 | $7,950 | 145.7 | 95.33 | 55.8 | $142.00 | $1,215,078 |
12/06/2024 | Woodbury | 80.11 | $8,300 | 80.11 | 100.00 | 67.4 | $123.00 | $664,913 |
12/06/2024 | Mills | 162.77 | $8,700 | 145.43 | 89.35 | 76.5 | $114.00 | $1,416,099 |
12/06/2024 | Guthrie | 157 | $12,400 | 147.6 | 94.01 | 84.6 | $147.00 | $1,946,800 |
12/09/2024 | Woodbury | 80 | $7,500 | 75.74 | 94.68 | 70.3 | $107.00 | $600,000 |
12/09/2024 | Woodbury | 146 | $8,900 | 124.33 | 85.16 | 55.6 | $160.00 | $1,299,400 |
12/10/2024 | Fayette | 129.15 | $10,500 | 125.04 | 96.82 | 77.3 | $136.00 | $1,356,075 |
12/11/2024 | Wayne | 152.24 | $7,100 | 123.51 | 81.13 | 58.5 | $121.00 | $1,080,904 |
12/11/2024 | Decatur | 216.55 | $10,600 | 207.26 | 95.71 | 63.1 | $168.00 | $2,295,430 |
12/12/2024 | Floyd | 34.82 | $12,731 | 32.5 | 93.34 | 88 | $145.00 | $443,293 |
12/12/2024 | Page | 39 | $11,700 | 37.12 | 95.18 | 81.7 | $143.00 | $456,300 |
12/12/2024 | Page | 62.04 | $7,700 | 57.58 | 92.81 | 77.2 | $100.00 | $477,708 |
12/12/2024 | Page | 54.97 | $9,250 | 46.43 | 84.46 | 77.2 | $120.00 | $508,473 |
12/12/2024 | Page | 68.77 | $10,200 | 68.12 | 99.05 | 80 | $128.00 | $701,454 |
12/12/2024 | Shelby | 88.65 | $11,400 | 83.65 | 94.36 | 66.5 | $171.00 | $1,010,610 |
12/12/2024 | Boone | 75.85 | $13,500 | 75.85 | 100.00 | 84.9 | $159.00 | $1,023,975 |
12/12/2024 | Page | 155.58 | $7,000 | 133.1 | 85.55 | 68.9 | $102.00 | $1,089,060 |
12/12/2024 | Page | 220.7 | $7,900 | 192.63 | 87.28 | 69.2 | $114.00 | $1,743,530 |
12/12/2024 | Black Hawk | 182.8 | $15,481 | 182.8 | 100.00 | 85.9 | $180.00 | $2,829,927 |
12/12/2024 | Sioux | 161.62 | $21,800 | 156.94 | 97.10 | 94.7 | $230.00 | $3,523,316 |
12/13/2024 | Monona | 69.2 | $13,500 | 69.2 | 100.00 | 53.8 | $251.00 | $934,200 |
12/13/2024 | Bremer | 74.64 | $13,000 | 69.44 | 93.03 | 87.3 | $149.00 | $970,320 |
12/13/2024 | Black Hawk | 127.83 | $10,000 | 121.13 | 94.76 | 79.2 | $126.00 | $1,278,300 |
12/14/2024 | Cass | 160 | $8,300 | 141 | 88.13 | 57.2 | $145.00 | $1,328,000 |
12/14/2024 | Crawford | 268.03 | $9,200 | 265.13 | 98.92 | 61.9 | $149.00 | $2,465,876 |
12/16/2024 | Buena Vista | 75.35 | $9,100 | 74.57 | 98.96 | 78.4 | $116.00 | $685,685 |
12/16/2024 | Buena Vista | 79.86 | $8,900 | 78.86 | 98.75 | 83.4 | $107.00 | $710,754 |
12/16/2024 | Buena Vista | 79.98 | $9,500 | 78.98 | 98.75 | 80.7 | $118.00 | $759,810 |
12/16/2024 | Buena Vista | 79.33 | $10,400 | 76.36 | 96.26 | 83 | $125.00 | $825,032 |
12/16/2024 | Buena Vista | 76.79 | $12,300 | 75.4 | 98.19 | 86.1 | $143.00 | $944,517 |
12/16/2024 | Buena Vista | 80.18 | $13,400 | 76.4 | 95.29 | 88.3 | $152.00 | $1,074,412 |
12/16/2024 | Lyon | 63.67 | $23,900 | 62.14 | 97.60 | 67.7 | $353.00 | $1,521,713 |
12/16/2024 | Lyon | 75.8 | $20,500 | 72.72 | 95.94 | 68.4 | $300.00 | $1,553,900 |
12/16/2024 | Woodbury | 148 | $10,800 | 128.77 | 87.01 | 58.3 | $185.00 | $1,598,400 |
12/17/2024 | Des Moines | 40 | $11,500 | 39.73 | 99.33 | 83.7 | $137.00 | $460,000 |
12/17/2024 | Des Moines | 74 | $12,100 | 72.33 | 97.74 | 86 | $141.00 | $895,400 |
12/17/2024 | Marshall | 70 | $13,500 | 70 | 100.00 | 81.5 | $166.00 | $945,000 |
12/17/2024 | Marshall | 110 | $13,400 | 109 | 99.09 | 85.1 | $157.00 | $1,474,000 |
12/17/2024 | Jackson | 156.2 | $13,900 | 141.61 | 90.66 | 69 | $201.00 | $2,171,180 |
12/17/2024 | Jasper | 160 | $13,600 | 150.43 | 94.02 | 79 | $172.00 | $2,176,000 |
12/20/2024 | Johnson | 77 | $8,800 | 61.76 | 80.21 | 81.3 | $108.00 | $677,600 |
12/23/2024 | Sioux | 76.56 | $26,750 | 75.6 | 98.75 | 95 | $282.00 | $2,047,980 |
12/28/2024 | Dallas | 142 | $10,900 | 131.5 | 92.61 | 79.1 | $138.00 | $1,547,800 |
12/31/2024 | Cerro Gordo | 18 | $10,605 | 16.7 | 92.78 | 63.2 | $168.00 | $190,890 |
12/31/2024 | Washington | 36.4 | $15,000 | 35.75 | 98.21 | 78.2 | $192.00 | $546,000 |
12/31/2024 | Cerro Gordo | 76.81 | $8,689 | 72.84 | 94.83 | 62.6 | $139.00 | $667,402 |
12/31/2024 | Washington | 111.48 | $16,025 | 107.89 | 96.78 | 80.9 | $198.00 | $1,786,467 |
Totals/Averages | 7007.08 | $11,688 | 6580.24 | 94.49 | 72.95 | $164.00 | $78,971,247 |
Navigating the Selling Process:
Tips for Selling Your Farm in Iowa
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 Iowa
Meet our team of Iowa 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 Iowa 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.
Assessing Your Farm’s Worth:
Iowa 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 Iowa farmland.