Selling Agricultural Land in Northeastern Pennsylvania

3/12/2026

Selling Agricultural Land in Northeastern Pennsylvania

A Guide for Farmers and Landowners Considering Selling Farmland

Northeastern Pennsylvania contains some of the most scenic agricultural landscapes in the Commonwealth.

Stretching across counties such as Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, and Carbon, the region includes productive farmland, dairy operations, livestock farms, and large rural properties.

While Northeastern Pennsylvania is often associated with its historic coal towns and mountain landscapes, agriculture continues to play an important role in the region’s economy. Many farms in this area have been operated by the same families for generations, contributing to a strong tradition of rural land stewardship.

Because the region sits within driving distance of major metropolitan areas such as New York City, northern New Jersey, and Philadelphia, farmland in Northeastern Pennsylvania often attracts a diverse range of buyers. These buyers include farmers expanding operations, agricultural investors, rural lifestyle buyers, and recreational land investors.

For farm owners considering selling agricultural land in Northeastern Pennsylvania, understanding how farmland is valued and who the likely buyers are can help ensure the property is positioned effectively in the market.

 

The Agricultural Landscape of Northeastern Pennsylvania

The geography of Northeastern Pennsylvania is defined by the Appalachian Mountains and the Pocono Plateau, which create a mix of rolling farmland, wooded hillsides, and rural valleys.

Unlike the large row-crop farms of southeastern Pennsylvania, farms in Northeastern Pennsylvania are often characterized by:

  • rolling terrain
  • mixed farmland and forestland
  • livestock and dairy operations
  • smaller agricultural valleys

Despite these geographic differences, agriculture remains a vital part of the region’s rural economy.

 

Major Agricultural Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Several counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania support significant agricultural activity.

 

Susquehanna County

Susquehanna County is one of the strongest agricultural counties in the region, known for:

  • dairy farming
  • livestock operations
  • large rural farms

The county contains large agricultural parcels that often attract strong interest from working farmers.

 

Wayne County

Wayne County combines agriculture with recreational and lifestyle real estate demand.

Farms in the county often include:

  • pastureland
  • crop fields
  • wooded acreage

Because of its proximity to the Pocono Mountains and New York metropolitan area, Wayne County farms can attract both agricultural buyers and rural estate buyers.

 

Wyoming County

Wyoming County contains productive agricultural valleys along the Susquehanna River, where crop farming and livestock operations remain important economic activities.

Farms in these valleys often feature:

  • productive soils
  • relatively flat terrain
  • efficient equipment access

 

Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties

Although these counties are more urbanized due to the presence of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, they still contain pockets of productive farmland. 

Agricultural land in these counties may occasionally attract interest from residential developers because of proximity to population centers.

 

Pike, Monroe, and Carbon Counties

These counties sit within or adjacent to the Pocono Mountains region, where farmland often overlaps with recreational and residential land uses.

Properties in these counties may attract buyers interested in:

  • hobby farms
  • rural estates
  • recreational land

 

Why Farmland in Northeastern Pennsylvania Is Valuable

Several factors influence farmland values in the region.

 

Large Rural Properties

Compared with suburban regions of Pennsylvania, Northeastern Pennsylvania often contains large rural land parcels.

Large farms offer advantages such as:

  • room for livestock grazing
  • expansion opportunities for farmers
  • long-term land investment potential

Because of these characteristics, larger properties often attract strong interest from buyers seeking substantial acreage.

 

Livestock and Dairy Farming

Agriculture in Northeastern Pennsylvania is heavily oriented toward livestock and dairy operations.

Common agricultural activities include:

  • dairy farms
  • beef cattle operations
  • hay production
  • crop farming

These operations require large areas of land to support feed production and pasture.

 

Agricultural Land with Recreational Appeal

Many farms in Northeastern Pennsylvania include both open farmland and wooded acreage.

This combination provides additional value for:

  • hunting properties
  • outdoor recreation
  • timber resources
  • rural retreats

Because of this mix of uses, some farms attract both agricultural buyers and recreational land investors.

 

Average Farmland Prices in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Farmland values vary depending on soil productivity, parcel size, and location.

Typical farmland prices often range between:

  • $4,000 – $10,000 per acre

However, farmland values may vary depending on factors such as:

  • soil quality
  • parcel size
  • agricultural infrastructure
  • proximity to population centers

Farmland located near the Pocono Mountains tourism region or near expanding suburban communities may command higher prices.

 

Who Buys Agricultural Land in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Several buyer groups are active in the region’s farmland market.

 

Farmers Expanding Agricultural Operations

Other farmers are often the most competitive buyers of farmland.

Farmers purchase farmland to:

  • expand crop production
  • increase livestock grazing land
  • improve operational efficiency
  • secure farmland for future generations

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

 

Agricultural Investors

Some investors purchase farmland as a long-term asset.

These buyers often seek:

  • long-term land appreciation
  • farm lease income
  • diversification from traditional investments

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

 

Rural Lifestyle Buyers

Many buyers are attracted to Northeastern Pennsylvania farmland for rural living.

These buyers may seek properties for:

  • hobby farms
  • rural homesites
  • country estates

Properties with scenic views or historic farmhouses can be particularly attractive.

 

Recreational Land Buyers

The region’s mountains and forests attract recreational buyers seeking land for:

  • hunting properties
  • outdoor recreation
  • rural retreats

Because many farms include wooded acreage, these properties can appeal to both agricultural and recreational buyers.

 

Development Pressure in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Development pressure in Northeastern Pennsylvania varies by location.

Areas closest to the Pocono Mountains and major highways may see residential development interest, particularly in counties such as:

  • Monroe
  • Pike
  • Carbon

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

 

Preparing Agricultural Land for Sale

Farm owners considering selling farmland should prepare key information before bringing the property to market.

Important preparation steps include:

reviewing property boundaries and surveys

  • compiling soil productivity maps
  • documenting farm infrastructure
  • reviewing conservation easements
  • confirming zoning classifications

Providing this information allows buyers to properly evaluate the property.

 

Marketing Agricultural Land in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Successfully selling farmland requires reaching the right buyer groups.

Common marketing strategies include:

  • farmland listing platforms
  • MLS exposure 
  • direct outreach to other farmers
  • marketing to agricultural investors
  • targeted outreach to rural land buyers

Because farmland buyers often search across large geographic areas, broad marketing exposure is critical.

 

Why Agricultural Land Sales Require Specialized

Expertise Selling farmland differs significantly from selling residential property.

Important farmland considerations 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 accurately and marketed effectively.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Northeastern Pennsylvania remains a diverse and evolving farmland market. From the dairy farms of Susquehanna County to the rural estates of Wayne County and the agricultural valleys of Wyoming County, the region contains a wide variety of agricultural land opportunities.

For farm owners considering selling farmland, understanding the unique characteristics of the Northeastern Pennsylvania agricultural land market is essential for achieving the strongest possible outcome.

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