Selling Farmland in Centre County, Pennsylvania

3/8/2026

Selling Farmland in Centre County, Pennsylvania 

A Guide for Farm Owners Considering Selling Agricultural Land

Centre County sits in the heart of central Pennsylvania’s agricultural region. While the county is widely known as the home of Penn State University and the State College area, large portions of the county remain strongly agricultural.

The county contains productive farmland, large crop operations, and a long history of farming that continues to support a strong agricultural economy.

Because of these characteristics, farmland in Centre County attracts several types of buyers including farmers expanding operations, agricultural investors, and in some cases rural residential buyers.

For farm families considering selling agricultural land in Centre County, understanding the local farmland market can help ensure the property is priced correctly and marketed effectively.

 

Why Centre County Farmland Is Valuable

Several factors contribute to the strength of the farmland market in Centre County.

Productive Agricultural Soils

Centre County contains a mixture of limestone valley soils and upland agricultural soils capable of supporting productive crop farming.

Farmers in the region commonly produce:

  • corn
  • soybeans
  • small grains
  • hay and forage crops

These crops support both livestock operations and grain markets throughout the region.

The most productive farmland in the county is typically found in the Nittany Valley and Penns Valley agricultural areas, which contain fertile soils well suited for crop production.

 

Large Agricultural Operations

Compared with some parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, Centre County contains larger farms and more contiguous farmland tracts.

Large farms allow operators to run modern agricultural equipment efficiently and produce large volumes of crops.

Large contiguous farmland parcels also make the region attractive to farmers seeking to expand their operations. 

 

A Strong Agricultural Research Presence

Penn State University plays a major role in agriculture throughout Centre County.

The university’s agricultural research programs and extension services support farmers across the region by providing research, education, and technical assistance.

This connection to agricultural research and innovation helps strengthen the local farming economy. 

 

Average Farmland Prices in Centre County

Farmland prices in Centre County vary depending on soil quality, parcel size, and farm characteristics. Typical farmland values often range between:

  • $6,000 – $12,000 per acre

Highly productive farms located in the county’s best agricultural valleys may command higher prices.

Farmland values may vary depending on factors such as:

  • soil productivity
  • field size and configuration
  • topography and drainage
  • parcel size
  • agricultural improvements

Understanding these characteristics is essential when determining the value of a specific farm.

 

Who Buys Farmland in Centre County

Several different buyer groups are active in the Centre County farmland market.

Farmers Expanding Agricultural Operations

Other farmers are often the most common buyers of farmland in the region.

Farmers may purchase nearby land in order to:

  • expand crop production
  • increase forage acreage
  • improve operational efficiency
  • secure farmland for future generations

Because nearby farmland integrates easily into existing farm operations, neighboring farmers often place the highest value on available farmland.

 

Agricultural Investors

Agricultural investors may also purchase farmland in Centre County.

These buyers often view farmland as a long-term investment asset that provides:

  • stable land appreciation
  • lease income from farm operators
  • diversification from traditional investments

Investors often lease farmland to local farmers who continue agricultural production.

 

Rural Residential and Lifestyle Buyers

In some parts of Centre County, smaller farms may attract buyers interested in rural living or hobby farming.

Properties located near State College or scenic valley areas may appeal to buyers seeking:

  • rural homesites
  • hobby farms
  • recreational land

These buyers can sometimes influence the value of smaller farmland parcels.

 

Agricultural Conservation Easements

Centre County participates in Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, which protects agricultural land through conservation easements. These easements permanently restrict development in order to preserve farmland.

Farms with conservation easements remain valuable agricultural properties but may sell for slightly less than unrestricted land because development rights are removed.

Many farmers prefer preserved farms because they help ensure surrounding land remains agricultural.

 

Development Pressure in Centre County

Although much of Centre County remains rural and agricultural, some areas are experiencing development pressure due to population growth around State College.

Farmland located near communities such as:

  • State College
  • Bellefonte
  • Boalsburg
  • Centre Hall

may have transitional land value due to residential demand.

However, most farmland in the county continues to be used for agricultural production.

 

Preparing Farmland for Sale

Farm owners considering selling farmland should gather important information about the property before bringing it to market.

Important preparation steps include:

  • reviewing property boundaries and surveys
  • compiling soil productivity maps
  • documenting farm improvements
  • reviewing conservation easements
  • confirming zoning classifications

Providing clear and accurate property information helps buyers evaluate the farm effectively.

 

Marketing Farmland in Centre County

Successful farmland marketing typically involves reaching multiple buyer groups.

Marketing strategies may include:

  • farmland listing platforms
  • regional MLS exposure
  • direct outreach to neighboring farmers
  • marketing to agricultural investors

Because farmland buyers often search across larger regions, broad marketing exposure can help create stronger buyer competition.

 

Why Agricultural Land Sales Require Specialized Expertise

Selling farmland involves considerations that differ from traditional residential real estate.

Important farmland factors include:

  • soil productivity analysis
  • agricultural infrastructure evaluation
  • farmland preservation restrictions
  • zoning and land use regulations
  • development potential

Understanding these factors helps ensure farmland is priced correctly and marketed effectively.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Centre County remains an important agricultural region in Pennsylvania. Its productive farmland, large agricultural operations, and strong farming community continue to support a competitive farmland market.

For farm families considering selling farmland, understanding the local agricultural land market and preparing the property carefully can help ensure a successful transaction.

Because farmland often represents one of the most valuable assets owned by farm families, careful planning and strategic marketing are essential when bringing agricultural land to market.