Illinois sits in the heart of the Corn Belt and holds some of the most productive farmland in the country. The state’s farms range from small family acreages to large commercial row-crop operations.
Most Illinois farms grow corn and soybeans. Northern and central Illinois hold the deepest, most productive soils. Southern Illinois has more varied terrain with mixed row-crop and pasture.
Browse our Illinois farms for sale to see what’s available, then dig into the details with our Complete Guide to Buying Land in Illinois.
Why buyers like Illinois farmland
- Among the most productive soils in the country
- Clear soil ratings that make farms easy to compare
- A deep market with consistent comparable sales
- Strong rental income on most working farms
- Easy access to grain markets and processing
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Illinois farmland different from other states?
Soil quality. Illinois farms are rated on a productivity scale that buyers, sellers, and appraisers all use. Higher-rated soils command higher prices, so the rating tells you a lot before you ever walk the property.
Can I earn rental income from Illinois farmland?
Yes. Most Illinois farms come with an existing tenant farmer paying cash rent. The lease often transfers with the sale, so you can collect rental income from day one.
How much land do I need for an Illinois farm?
It depends on the goal. Farms under 100 acres work for hobby use or smaller investments. Larger operations run several hundred acres or more. Most Illinois farms trade in the 40 to 320-acre range.