The 10 Best Regions in Pennsylvania to Buy Agricultural Land

3/7/2026

The 10 Best Regions in Pennsylvania to Buy Agricultural Land 

Where Farmers and Investors Find the Best Farmland Opportunities

Pennsylvania is one of the most diverse agricultural states in the United States.

With millions of acres of farmland and thousands of active farms, the Commonwealth supports a wide range of agricultural operations including dairy farming, grain production, orchards, poultry farming, and specialty agriculture. 

For farmers looking to expand their operations, investors seeking farmland as a long-term asset, or buyers hoping to start agricultural enterprises, selecting the right region is one of the most important decisions when purchasing agricultural land.

Different parts of Pennsylvania offer different advantages depending on soil quality, farm infrastructure, farmland prices, and proximity to markets.

Below are ten of the best regions in Pennsylvania to buy agricultural land, based on agricultural productivity, farm demand, and long-term land value potential.

1. Lancaster County Agricultural Region

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

Agricultural infrastructure in the county is extensive and includes feed suppliers, equipment dealers, processing facilities, and produce markets. The county is home to thousands of farms and one of the strongest agricultural economies in the state.

While farmland prices in Lancaster County are relatively high, the region offers excellent long-term agricultural stability.

2. Cumberland Valley Region

The Cumberland Valley stretches through south-central Pennsylvania and includes counties such as:

• Cumberland County
• Franklin County
• parts of Adams County

This region contains highly productive farmland and strong agricultural infrastructure. Major agricultural activities include dairy farming, grain production, and fruit orchards.

Farmland values remain competitive while still offering strong agricultural productivity.

3. Adams County Fruit Belt

Adams County is one of the most productive fruit-growing regions in the eastern United States. The county is particularly well known for apple production, with large orchard operations producing apples for both fresh markets and processing.

Buyers interested in orchards or specialty agriculture often look to Adams County because of its established fruit industry and favorable climate conditions. 

4. York County Agricultural Region

York County has long been one of Pennsylvania’s strongest agricultural regions. The county supports a wide range of farming operations including dairy farms, poultry operations, crop farms, and livestock production.

Productive soils and strong farm infrastructure help support stable farmland values.

York County’s location between major metropolitan areas also provides access to strong agricultural markets.

5. Lebanon County Farmland Region

Lebanon County contains highly productive farmland and an active agricultural community. The region supports many types of agricultural operations including dairy farms, poultry farms, and crop farming.

Because farmland supply is limited and agricultural demand remains strong, Lebanon County continues to maintain competitive farmland markets.

6. Susquehanna Valley Agricultural Region

The Susquehanna Valley region includes several counties with productive farmland, including:

• Snyder County
• Union County
• Northumberland County

These counties contain large agricultural operations producing grain, livestock, and dairy products. Farmland prices in this region remain relatively affordable compared with southeastern Pennsylvania while still offering strong agricultural productivity.

7. Lehigh Valley Agricultural Region

The Lehigh Valley region includes:

• Lehigh County
• Northampton County

Agriculture remains active throughout the region, although population growth and development pressure have increased in recent decades.

Farmland in this region may offer both agricultural productivity and long-term development potential.

8. Northwestern Pennsylvania Agricultural Region

Northwestern Pennsylvania includes counties such as:

• Crawford County
• Mercer County
• Erie County

These counties support a mix of crop farming, dairy operations, and livestock farming. Erie County is also known for its grape vineyards and wine industry due to the moderating climate influence of Lake Erie.

Farmland prices in this region are generally lower than in southeastern Pennsylvania.

9. Northern Tier Agricultural Region

The Northern Tier region includes counties such as:

• Bradford County
• Tioga County
• Potter County

These counties contain large agricultural properties and significant pastureland. Agricultural operations often include dairy farming, livestock production, and crop farming.

Large parcels of farmland are more common in this region, making it attractive for buyers seeking larger agricultural properties. 

10. Southwestern Pennsylvania Agricultural Region

Southwestern Pennsylvania includes counties such as:

• Washington County
• Westmoreland County
• Butler County

While farmland values are generally lower than those in southeastern Pennsylvania, the region still supports active agricultural communities.

Agricultural operations include crop farming, livestock production, and hay production.

The region’s proximity to Pittsburgh also provides potential agricultural market opportunities.

Factors to Consider When Buying Agricultural Land

When evaluating farmland opportunities in Pennsylvania, buyers should consider several important factors.

These include:

• soil productivity and soil type
• field size and configuration
• topography and slope drainage conditions
• proximity to agricultural infrastructure
• farmland prices in the region

Because each farm has unique characteristics, careful analysis is essential when evaluating farmland purchases.

Why Regional Farmland Markets Matter

Farmland values and opportunities can vary dramatically across Pennsylvania.

Regions with highly productive soils and strong agricultural infrastructure often command higher farmland prices. Other regions may offer lower farmland prices but larger parcels and opportunities for farm expansion.

Understanding regional farmland markets helps buyers identify the areas best suited to their agricultural goals.

Final Advisory Perspective

Pennsylvania offers a wide range of agricultural opportunities across its diverse regions. From the highly productive farmland of Lancaster County to the large agricultural tracts of the Northern Tier, the state provides options for farmers, investors, and agricultural entrepreneurs.

Selecting the right region depends on a variety of factors including agricultural productivity, farmland prices, and long-term market trends.

For buyers considering agricultural land purchases, understanding the regional agricultural landscape can provide valuable insight when evaluating farmland opportunities across the Commonwealth.