Which Counties in Pennsylvania Have the Most Valuable Farmland?

3/7/2026

Which Counties in Pennsylvania Have the Most Valuable Farmland?

Understanding Where Agricultural Land Commands the Highest Prices

Pennsylvania contains some of the most productive agricultural land in the United States.

From the fertile limestone soils of Lancaster County to the rolling farmland of south-central Pennsylvania, agriculture remains one of the Commonwealth’s most important industries.

However, farmland values across Pennsylvania vary dramatically depending on location, soil productivity, local farming demand, and development pressure.

In some counties, farmland may sell for only a few thousand dollars per acre. In others, highly productive farmland located in strong agricultural regions can command prices exceeding $20,000 per acre.

Understanding which counties have the most valuable farmland can help farmers, landowners, and investors better evaluate agricultural land markets across the state.

 

What Drives Farmland Value by County?

Before examining specific counties, it is important to understand the factors that influence farmland values.

The counties with the most valuable farmland typically share several characteristics:

  • Highly productive soils
  • Strong agricultural economies
  • High demand from neighboring farmers
  • Limited supply of available farmland
  • Proximity to population centers and agricultural markets

In some cases, development pressure from nearby cities can also influence farmland values.

When several of these factors combine, farmland prices can increase significantly.

 

Lancaster County

Pennsylvania’s Most Valuable Farmland Market 

Lancaster County is widely recognized as having some of the most valuable farmland in Pennsylvania.

Several factors contribute to the county’s high land values:

  • exceptional soil productivity 
  • long-established agricultural infrastructure
  • strong demand from neighboring farmers
  • limited supply of available farmland

Lancaster County is known for its highly productive limestone soils, which support a wide variety of crops including corn, soybeans, vegetables, and forage crops used in dairy operations.

The county also has a strong agricultural economy supported by:

  • dairy farms
  • poultry operations
  • produce farming
  • specialty crop production

Because farmland supply is limited and agricultural demand remains strong, farmland prices in Lancaster County often exceed:

  • $18,000 – $25,000+ per acre 

Prime farmland in particularly strong locations may sell for even higher prices.

 

Chester County

High-Value Farmland Near the Philadelphia Suburbs 

Chester County contains a combination of productive farmland and affluent suburban communities.

Historically, the county has been home to:

  • dairy farms
  • horse farms
  • crop farming operations
  • specialty agriculture

While some farmland has been converted to residential development, significant agricultural areas remain.

Farmland values in Chester County are influenced by:

  • strong soils
  • proximity to Philadelphia markets
  • demand from equestrian operations
  • development pressure from suburban growth

As a result, farmland prices in the county often range between:

  • $15,000 – $25,000 per acre

Certain properties with development potential may command even higher prices.

 

York County 

Strong Agricultural Demand in South-Central Pennsylvania

York County has long been one of Pennsylvania’s most productive agricultural regions.

The county supports a wide range of farming operations including:

  • dairy farming
  • poultry operations
  • grain and crop farming
  • livestock production

York County benefits from:

  • strong agricultural infrastructure
  • highly productive soils
  • proximity to agricultural processing facilities

Because of these factors, farmland prices in York County typically range from:

  • $10,000 – $18,000 per acre

Demand from neighboring farmers often drives strong competition when farmland becomes available. 

 

Lebanon County

A Highly Competitive Farmland Market

Lebanon County is another region with strong farmland values.

The county contains productive soils that support a variety of agricultural operations including:

  • dairy farms
  • poultry farms
  • crop farming
  • feed production

Farmland supply in the county is limited, and demand from established farm operations remains strong.

Typical farmland prices in Lebanon County often range between:

  • $12,000 – $20,000 per acre

Large farms with highly productive soils may command even higher prices.

 

Franklin County

Productive Agricultural Land With Strong Demand

Franklin County, located in south-central Pennsylvania, is known for its strong agricultural economy.

Agricultural production in the county includes:

  • dairy farming
  • poultry operations
  • crop farming
  • orchards and fruit production

The county’s agricultural productivity and active farming community contribute to steady farmland demand.

Farmland prices in Franklin County often range between:

  • $8,000 – $15,000 per acre

Well-located farms with productive soils may sell for higher prices.

 

Berks County

Productive Farmland Near Growing Markets

Berks County contains a mix of agricultural land and suburban development.

The county supports many farming operations including:

  • dairy farms
  • crop farming
  • livestock operations
  • specialty agriculture

Because Berks County sits within commuting distance of both Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, farmland values are influenced by both agriculture and development pressure.

Farmland prices often range from:

  • $10,000 – $18,000 per acre

 

Lehigh and Northampton Counties

Development Pressure Meets Agricultural Land

The Lehigh Valley has experienced rapid population growth and economic development in recent decades.

Counties in the region include:

  • Lehigh County
  • Northampton County

These counties support both agricultural production and expanding residential and commercial development.

Farmland values in the region are influenced by:

  • proximity to major highways
  • logistics and industrial growth
  • strong housing demand

Typical farmland prices often range between:

  • $10,000 – $20,000 per acre

Land located near transportation corridors such as Interstate 78 or Route 33 may have additional development value.

 

Why Southeastern Pennsylvania Dominates Farmland Value

Most of Pennsylvania’s highest farmland prices occur in southeastern and south-central counties.

Several factors explain this trend:

  • highly productive soils
  • strong agricultural economies
  • high population density
  • proximity to major markets
  • limited farmland supply

These conditions create a highly competitive farmland market where farmers often compete aggressively for available land.

 

Counties With Lower Farmland Prices

While some counties command high farmland prices, other regions of Pennsylvania have lower land values.

This typically occurs in areas with:

  • lower population density
  • less agricultural infrastructure
  • mountainous terrain
  • limited development pressure

Examples include many counties in:

  • northern Pennsylvania
  • western Pennsylvania
  • the Allegheny Plateau region

Farmland prices in these areas may range from:

  • $3,000 – $8,000 per acre

However, these regions often offer large parcels and strong recreational land opportunities.

 

Why Farmland Prices Vary Even Within the Same County

Even within counties with high farmland values, prices can vary dramatically.

Two farms located only a few miles apart may sell for very different prices depending on factors such as:

  • soil productivity
  • field size and configuration
  • drainage conditions
  • parcel size
  • development potential

This variation highlights why evaluating individual farm characteristics is essential when determining land value.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Pennsylvania county has the most expensive farmland?

Lancaster County is widely considered one of the most valuable farmland markets in the state.

Why is farmland so expensive in southeastern Pennsylvania?

Highly productive soils, strong agricultural economies, and limited farmland supply drive higher prices.

Does development pressure increase farmland values?

Yes. Land located near growing suburbs may have transitional development value.

Are farmland prices rising in Pennsylvania?

In many regions, farmland prices have remained strong due to limited supply and continued agricultural demand.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Farmland values across Pennsylvania reflect a combination of agricultural productivity, regional economics, and development pressure.

Counties with strong farming economies, productive soils, and high demand from neighboring farmers often command the highest farmland prices.

For landowners considering selling farmland, understanding regional farmland markets can provide valuable context when evaluating property value.

Because each farm has unique characteristics, careful analysis of soil productivity, field layout, and development potential is essential when determining the true value of agricultural land.