The value of cropland increased in 2021 from the previous year, while the 

rates producers pay to rent cropland (cash rents) showed a slight increase at 

the national level. Individual states experienced increases or decreases. For 

pastureland, the value increased while cash rental rates were unchanged at 

the national level.

Agricultural Land Values

The average value 

of U.S. cropland 

(irrigated and nonirrigated) was $4,420 

per acre in 2021, 

increasing 7.8% from 

2020. From 2007 to 

2021, cropland value 

increased 75%. For 

U.S. pastureland, the 

average value in 

2021 was $1,480 per 

acre, a $80 increase 

over 2020 and a 

44% increase since 

2007. (Fig. 1)

At the state level, 

the value of cropland 

in 2021 ranged from 

$1,050 per acre in 

Montana to $14,800 

per acre in New 

Jersey. (Fig. 2)

Top States: Cropland Value 

$ per acre

New Jersey 14,800

California 13,860

Delaware 8,600

Maryland 7,960

Illinois 7,900

Iowa 7,810

Arizona 7,700

Pennsylvania 7,600

Florida 7,300

Indiana

Ohio 

6,800

6,800

About the Surveys

The national and state agricultural 

land values are from the 2021 

Agricultural Land Values Survey 

conducted during June and early July. 

The rental rates (cash rents) paid by 

producers are from the 2021 Cash 

Rents Survey.

Land value data are for the 48 

contiguous states. Cash rent data 

are for the 48 contiguous states 

and Hawaii.

NASS Highlights October 2021 • No. 2021-4

U.S. cropland value 

increased in 2021 

2021 AGRICULTURAL LAND

Land Values and Cash Rents

Fig. 1. Value of U.S. Cropland and Pasture, 2007–2021 ($ per acre)

Cropland Pasture

500

1,500

2,500

3,500

4,500

4,420

2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021

1,480

Source: USDA NASS.

Fig. 2. Cropland Value by State, 2021 ($ per acre)

Source: USDA NASS. Data are for the 48 contiguous states.

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service www.nass.usda.gov

U.S. = 4,420

>8,000

5,701−8,000

3,601−5,700

2,601−3,600

<2,601

Not published
For pasture, the average value at the state level ranged 

from $440 per acre in New Mexico to $13,400 in New 

Jersey. The value of pasture changed in all states 

between 2020 and 2021; the change in value ranged 

from a 0.8% increase in New Jersey to a 12.3% increase 

in Iowa.

Farm Real Estate Value

U.S. farm real estate value – the value of all land and 

buildings on farms – averaged $3,380 per acre in 2021, 

an increase of $220 per acre from 2020. At the state 

level, average value in 2021 ranged from $600 per acre 

in New Mexico to 

$16,400 in Rhode 

Island. The percent 

change ranged from 

a 1.0% increase in 

New Hampshire 

and Nevada to a 

21.2% increase in 

Massachusetts.

Rent Paid for Agricultural Land

At $141 per acre, the average rate to rent cropland in 

the United States in 2021 was $2 higher than in 2020. 

The average rate per acre for irrigated cropland was 

$217 (up from $216 

in 2020) and nonirrigated cropland 

was $128 (up from 

$126 in 2020). For 

pastureland, the 

average rental per 

acre at $13 is the 

same as 2020.

Among states, the rental cost per acre in 2021 ranged 

from $35 in Oklahoma to $331 in California for all 

cropland. (Fig. 3) 

Fig. 3. Rent Paid for Cropland by State, 2021 ($ per acre)

Source: USDA NASS.

For irrigated cropland, rates ranged from $83 in Oklahoma 

to $461 in California; for non-irrigated cropland, they 

ranged from $17.50 in Wyoming to $233 in Iowa; and for 

pastureland, $1.70 in Arizona to $58 in Iowa.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

www.nass.usda.gov

 Top States:

 Farm Real Estate Value

Rhode Island

$ per acre

16,400

New Jersey 14,400

Massachusetts 13,700

Connecticut 12,500

California 10,900

Delaware 9,300

Maryland 8,670

Illinois 7,900

Iowa 7,740

Indiana 7,100

Access the Data

Find land value data through the Quick Stats 2.0 database:

quickstats.nass.usda.gov

• In Program, select “Survey”

• In Sector, select “Economics”

• In Group, select “Farms & Land & Assets”

• In Commodity, select “Ag Land”

• In Category, select “Asset Value”

• Select your data item, geographic level, and year

Find national, state, and county cash rents data here:

www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/

Cash_Rents_by_County/

 Top States:

 Cropland Cash Rent

California

$ per acre

331

Arizona 325

Hawaii 247

Iowa 233

Illinois 227

Washington 222

Indiana 200

Nebraska 197

Oregon 181

Idaho 180

Five states have average 

farm real estate values of 

$10,000 per acre or higher.

U.S. = 141

>200

141−200

101-140

60-100

<60

Not published

Not surveyed