Hello, my name is Pat Lentz, Central Iowa Land Specialist with High Point Land Company. Today, I’d like to provide a brief market update with a special focus on Story County, Iowa, highlighting why it continues to be a strong and resilient land market.
Story County Market Update
In 2024, Story County, Iowa, posted an average land sale price of $13,770 per acre, equating to approximately $158 per CSR2 point. The county has historically experienced limited farmland turnover, and that trend of tight inventory continues today. Because of this, when farms do come available, they attract strong buyer interest and often command premium prices.
Recent sales have ranged from $150 to over $170 per CSR2 point for top-tier cropland—excellent figures that reflect the strength of current buyer demand.
Why is the market so strong?
At its core, it’s the classic supply-and-demand story. Inventory remains low, while demand is high from a pool of highly motivated buyers, including local farmers, investors, and land remains a historically safe, long-term investment—especially amid global uncertainty. The 1031 exchange buyers. Many of these individuals are well-positioned to act quickly and competitively when high-quality properties become available on the market.
Despite ongoing shifts in grain prices, equity markets, and interest rates, fundamentals in Story County—namely, tight supply, strong local demand, and long-term appreciation—continue to support robust land values.
Looking ahead, I anticipate increased land availability later this year, which could lead to more competition among sellers. That’s why landowners thinking about selling now have a great chance. They can benefit from high demand and low supply to get the best prices.
Suppose you’ve been thinking about selling or would simply like to know what your land may be worth in today’s market. In that case, I’d welcome the opportunity for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Thanks for tuning in—and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or to discuss your property. Now remains an exceptionally favorable time for Story County, Iowa, landowners.
Do you want to learn more?
If you’re considering buying or selling land, reach out to a local High Point Land Company agent. For more questions regarding land real estate, visit our YouTube Knowledge Center!
