Cropland tops $6000 per acre as farmland market stays resilient
U.S. farmland values continued to rise in 2026, according to the latest USDA land value report. Although growth was slower than in recent years, farmland remained a valuable asset across the country.
The average value of all farms real estate, including land and farm buildings, reached $4,500 per acre. This represents an increase of 3.4% compared to 2025.
Cropland values climbed to an average of $6,020 per acre, marking the first time the national average exceeded $6,000. Pastureland values also increased, reaching an average of $2,000 per acre.
Since 2022, cropland values have risen by more than 20%, showing the long-term strength of agricultural land. Several Corn Belt states reported some of the highest cropland values. Iowa averaged $10,700 per acre, while Illinois and Ohio exceeded $10,000 per acre.
Other key farming regions also reported gains. South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska all recorded increases in cropland values during the year.
Despite softer commodity markets and ongoing challenges related to trade, production costs, and labor, farmland values remained strong. Industry experts noted that land prices often reflect confidence in the future of agriculture rather than short-term market conditions.
Farmer and rancher demand, combined with a limited supply of available land, continued to support the market. The Corn Belt remained one of the highest-valued farmland regions in the country.
USDA also reported changes in cropland cash rents. The national average cash rent for cropland was $160 per acre, down $1 from 2025. Irrigated cropland rents remained unchanged at $244 per acre.
California had the highest average cropland cash rent at $331 per acre, followed by Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Indiana, Nebraska, Idaho, Minnesota, and Ohio.
The latest figures highlight the continued strength of the U.S. farmland market, even during a challenging agricultural economy.
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