Iowa farmland remains one of the most valuable and dependable land investments in the country. From high-producing row-crop ground in the northwest to rolling pasture and timber in southern Iowa, the latest numbers show a stable, healthy market for landowners and real opportunity for buyers.
Here's a look at what land is bringing across the state and why Iowa continues to stand out.
Statewide Values Remain Strong and Steady
Iowa State University's annual Land Value Survey, the state's longest-running measure of farmland prices, put the average Iowa acre at $11,549 as of November 2025. That's up 0.7% from the year before, marking the sixth increase in the past seven years. High-quality farmland averaged $14,030 per acre.
The momentum has carried into 2026. The REALTORS Land Institute Iowa Chapter's March survey showed values up another 1.3% statewide, and land auctions tracked by Peoples Company averaged over $11,000 per acre through the spring and summer.
Pastureland is gaining too. The USDA's 2026 Land Values Summary puts Iowa pasture at $3,800 per acre, up 4.1% from last year.
For landowners, that means dependable, long-term equity. For buyers, it's a market where values aren't swinging wildly, so decisions can be made with confidence.
Pasture, Timber and Recreational Ground Are Drawing Interest
One of the bright spots in Iowa's market is the growing demand for land that isn't prime row-crop ground. In the ISU survey, low-quality land, a category that includes much of the state's pasture, timber and hunting ground, rose 1.7% statewide, outpacing high- and medium-quality cropland. The RLI survey also reported pasture gains of 3.5% to 4.2% in several regions.
That reflects what we see every day. More buyers are looking for land they can use and enjoy: a timbered draw that holds whitetails, pasture for a few cattle, or a pond tucked into the hills. Iowa's mix of productive ground and quality wildlife habitat gives buyers plenty of options.
How Values Vary by Region
Location and soil quality make a big difference in Iowa. According to the ISU survey:
Northwest Iowa leads the state with an average of $14,522 per acre, driven by highly productive soils and a strong livestock industry. O'Brien County posted the highest county average in Iowa.
Northeast and East Central Iowa saw the strongest growth over the past year, with gains of 4.1% and 3.4%, supported by livestock demand and nearby urban growth.
South Central Iowa offers the most accessible entry point in the state, with land averaging $7,623 per acre, and Ringgold County averaging $7,373. Low-quality land in the district, typical of the region's pasture and timber, rose 2.5%. Southern Iowa's rolling hills, timber and abundant wildlife have made it one of the most sought-after hunting regions in the country, and for buyers, that means quality recreational and pasture ground at a price that's hard to find elsewhere in the state.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
If you're thinking about selling, Iowa's steady values and growing interest in pasture, timber and recreational ground put landowners in a good position. Properties with good access, water, mature timber and strong wildlife habitat tend to draw the most attention.
If you're looking to buy, Iowa's range of land types means there's a property for nearly every goal, from high-producing cropland to a southern Iowa hunting retreat.
Every tract is different, and county-level values can vary widely from state averages. Our team knows Iowa land and can help you understand what your property is worth or find the right piece of ground for you.