The 12 Most Valuable Agricultural Regions in Pennsylvania

3/7/2026

The 12 Most Valuable Agricultural Regions in Pennsylvania

Where Farmland Commands the Highest Prices Across the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania contains some of the most productive farmland in the United States.

The Commonwealth’s diverse geography supports a wide range of agricultural activities, including dairy farming, grain production, poultry operations, fruit orchards, and specialty crops.

However, farmland values vary widely across the state. Some regions command significantly higher prices because of their soil productivity, agricultural infrastructure, and demand from neighboring farmers.

In many cases, farmland values are also influenced by proximity to population centers, food processing facilities, and strong agricultural communities.

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

 

Below are twelve of the most valuable agricultural regions in the state.

 

1. Lancaster County Agricultural Region

Lancaster County is widely considered the most valuable farmland market in Pennsylvania. The county’s limestone soils are among the most productive agricultural soils in the country and support a wide range of crops including corn, soybeans, vegetables, and forage crops.

Lancaster County also has one of the strongest agricultural economies in the state, with large numbers of:

  • dairy farms
  • poultry operations
  • produce farms
  • specialty agriculture businesses

Because farmland supply is limited and demand from neighboring farmers remains strong, farmland prices in Lancaster County often exceed $20,000 per acre.

 

2. Chester County Agricultural Region

Chester County has long been known for both its productive farmland and its equestrian heritage.

The region contains:

  • horse farms
  • dairy farms
  • crop farms
  • specialty agricultural operations

Proximity to Philadelphia markets and strong agricultural infrastructure help support high farmland values.

Development pressure from suburban growth also influences farmland pricing in certain parts of the county.

 

3. York County Agricultural Region

York County contains highly productive farmland and a diverse agricultural economy.

Major agricultural activities include:

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

The county’s strong agricultural infrastructure and active farming community create consistent demand for farmland.

Farmland values in York County are typically among the highest in south-central Pennsylvania.

 

4. Lebanon County Agricultural Region

Lebanon County is another region with strong farmland values due to its productive soils and active farming community.

Agriculture in the county includes:

  • dairy farms
  • poultry operations
  • crop production
  • livestock farming

Because farmland supply is limited and demand from farmers remains strong, farmland prices in Lebanon County often remain competitive.

 

5. Franklin County Agricultural Region

Franklin County is known for its strong agricultural economy and diverse farm operations.

Agricultural production in the county includes:

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

The region’s productive farmland and active farming community contribute to stable farmland values.

 

6. Adams County Agricultural Region

Adams County is widely recognized as one of the leading fruit-producing regions in the United States.

The county’s agricultural economy is heavily influenced by:

  • apple orchards
  • fruit production
  • crop farming
  • livestock operations

Farmland used for orchards and specialty agriculture can command particularly strong prices.

 

7. Berks County Agricultural Region

Berks County contains a mix of productive farmland and suburban development.

Agriculture in the county includes:

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

Because the county sits between Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, farmland values are influenced by both agriculture and development pressure.

 

8. Lehigh Valley Agricultural Region

The Lehigh Valley region includes:

  • Lehigh County
  • Northampton County

This region has experienced rapid population growth and economic expansion in recent decades.

While agriculture remains active, farmland values are influenced by both agricultural productivity and development demand.

 

9. Cumberland Valley Agricultural Region

The Cumberland Valley region includes several counties with strong agricultural production, including:

  • Cumberland County
  • Franklin County
  • parts of Adams County

The region’s fertile soils and agricultural infrastructure support strong farmland markets.

 

10. Centre County Agricultural Region

Centre County contains large crop farms and productive agricultural land throughout central Pennsylvania.

Agriculture in the region includes:

  • grain farming
  • livestock operations
  • dairy farming

Farmland values are influenced by both agricultural productivity and regional demand.

 

11. Susquehanna Valley Agricultural Region

The Susquehanna Valley contains productive farmland throughout central Pennsylvania.

Counties such as:

  • Snyder County
  • Union County
  • Northumberland County

support active agricultural economies.

Farmland values in the region are driven primarily by agricultural productivity and demand from local farmers.

 

12. Southwestern Pennsylvania Agricultural Region

Agricultural regions in southwestern Pennsylvania include counties such as:

  • Washington County
  • Westmoreland County
  • Butler County

While farmland values are generally lower than those in southeastern Pennsylvania, demand from local farming operations continues to support farmland markets in the region.

 

Why These Regions Have the Highest Farmland Values

Several key factors contribute to strong farmland values in these agricultural regions.

These factors often include:

  • highly productive soils
  • strong farming economies
  • established agricultural infrastructure
  • demand from neighboring farmers
  • limited farmland supply

When these conditions combine, farmland values tend to remain strong.

 

Why Farmland Values Vary Within the Same Region

Even within highly productive agricultural regions, farmland prices can vary widely.

Differences in land characteristics such as:

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

can cause two farms located only a few miles apart to sell for very different prices.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape is diverse, and farmland values vary widely depending on regional characteristics.

Regions with productive soils, strong farming communities, and limited farmland supply often command the highest prices.

For farmers, investors, and landowners considering selling agricultural land, understanding regional farmland markets can provide valuable insight into how agricultural land is valued across the Commonwealth.

Careful analysis of soil productivity, field configuration, infrastructure, and development potential is essential when evaluating farmland opportunities or determining the value of a farm.