Crawford, Allamakee, Louisa, Poweshiek & Emmet County Land Sales Analysis
The Iowa land market continued to show strength during the week of May 16–22, 2026, with a mix of tillable farmland, recreational tracts, CRP ground, and site acreage sales reported across multiple counties. Recent auction and private sale activity demonstrates that buyers remain active for quality land offerings, especially properties with productive soils, recreational appeal, or unique investment features.
This weekly Iowa land sales update highlights recent farmland values, tillable land prices, recreational land demand, and notable trends impacting buyers and sellers across the state.
Quick Answer: What Happened in the Iowa Land Market This Week?
During the week of May 16–22, 2026:
- Crawford County tillable farmland sold up to $10,200 per acre.
- Allamakee County recreational and CRP properties reached as high as $27,400 per acre for smaller site-recreation tracts.
- Poweshiek County tillable farmland with wind turbine influence sold for $9,000 per acre.
- Louisa County CRP land sold at $7,752 per acre.
- Smaller acreage and recreational properties continued commanding premium pricing on a per-acre basis.
Overall, the market continues rewarding:
- Productive tillable acres
- Recreational appeal
- Income-producing CRP land
- Smaller lifestyle and site tracts
- Properties with unique income potential
Crawford County Iowa Farmland Sales
Crawford County recorded two tillable farmland sales during the reporting period.
One tract totaling 102.72 acres sold for $10,200 per acre with a Tillable CSR2 of 69. Another 105.49-acre tillable tract sold for $6,850 per acre with a 67.4 CSR2 rating.
These sales demonstrate how location, farmability, access, drainage, and local buyer competition can significantly impact land values even when soil ratings are relatively similar.
Key Crawford County Takeaways
- Strong tillable ground continues attracting buyers.
- Higher-quality farms remain competitive.
- Buyers are still willing to pay premiums for efficient, productive tracts.
Allamakee County Recreational Land Remains Strong
Allamakee County saw multiple recreational and CRP-related land transactions during the week. Several “Site-Recreation-CRP” properties sold between $11,200 and $18,000 per acre.
A smaller 25.74-acre Site-Recreation tract sold for an impressive $27,400 per acre, reinforcing the continued demand for smaller recreational and lifestyle properties in Northeast Iowa.
Smaller acreage properties often generate aggressive bidding because:
- More buyers can financially participate
- Recreational demand remains high
- Rural lifestyle properties continue trending upward
- Hunting and outdoor recreation buyers remain active
Notable Allamakee County Sales
- 100 acres sold for $11,200 per acre
- 34.58 acres sold for $18,000 per acre
- 25.11 acres sold for $16,200 per acre
- 47.27 acres sold for $17,000 per acre
- 25.74 acres sold for $27,400 per acre
Louisa County CRP Land Values
Louisa County reported a 125.07-acre CRP tract selling for $7,752 per acre.
CRP properties continue attracting investors and recreational buyers seeking:
- Stable annual income
- Wildlife habitat
- Lower management requirements
- Long-term appreciation potential
As interest rates stabilize and buyers continue diversifying land investments, CRP ground remains a strong niche segment within the Iowa land market.
Poweshiek County Farmland Market Activity
Poweshiek County posted two notable sales this week.
An 80-acre tillable tract sold for $6,800 per acre with a 50.4 CSR2 rating. Meanwhile, a 153-acre Tillable-Wind Turbine property sold for $9,000 per acre with a 51.9 CSR2.
Wind turbine influence can significantly impact land values depending on:
- Existing lease structures
- Income generation
- Easement terms
- Long-term development potential
In many cases, wind income creates additional investor appeal beyond traditional row crop revenue.
Emmet County Site Sale
A smaller 7.42-acre site tract in Emmet County sold for $20,620 per acre, highlighting the continued strength of small acreage and development-oriented properties.
Smaller acreage sites near communities and hard-surface roads often sell at substantially higher per-acre pricing compared to larger agricultural tracts.
What This Means for Iowa Landowners
The May 16–22, 2026 land sales data reinforces several ongoing Iowa farmland trends:
1. Quality Tillable Farms Still Bring Premiums
Well-located farms with strong CSR2 ratings and efficient layouts continue performing well.
2. Recreational Land Demand Remains High
Buyers continue pursuing hunting properties, rural retreats, and lifestyle acreages.
3. Smaller Tracts Command Strong Per-Acre Prices
Limited inventory and affordability continue driving demand for smaller properties.
4. Income-Producing Land Attracts Investors
CRP and wind turbine income remain attractive to both local and out-of-state buyers.
Final Thoughts on the Iowa Land Market
The Iowa land market remains active despite changing economic conditions. Buyers continue seeking productive farmland, recreational opportunities, and income-producing assets throughout the state.
For landowners considering selling farmland, recreational property, CRP ground, or rural acreage, understanding current local market trends is critical when determining timing and strategy.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we continue tracking Iowa land values, farmland auctions, and recreational land trends across the Midwest.
If you are considering buying or selling land in Iowa, our team can help you understand current market conditions and maximize your property’s value.
