PALO ALTO COUNTY, IOWA | FARMLAND PRICES, APPRAISALS AND AUCTIONS

Palo Alto County Iowa Land Information

Explore farmland opportunities in Palo Alto County, Iowa. Review typical land prices, recent auction results, local towns, and essential agricultural data to support your landownership decisions. If you’d like a FREE farm valuation or have questions, contact your local Palo Alto County land expert.

Location: Northern Iowa

Average Farmland Value: $11,566.67 per acre. For the latest average or to learn what your farm is worth, contact Land Broker David Whitaker at 515-996-LAND (5263).

Average Farmland Value for Iowa: $11,400 per acre

Land Auctions in 2025 (as of April 2025)

There were no farmland auctions recorded in 2025, and therefore no price-per-acre or CSR2 data is available.

2024 Land Auctions

In 2024, the county held 6 farmland auctions totaling 755 acres. The average price reached $11,566.67 per acre, with an average of $146.67 per CSR2 point.

2023 Land Auctions

Palo Alto County saw 12 auctions during 2023, representing 2,110.06 acres. Sales averaged $14,574 per acre with an average of $188.45 per CSR2 point.

2022 Land Auctions

In 2022, 14 auctions were conducted, selling 1,275.66 acres. Land brought an average of $12,201.79 per acre and $158.14 per CSR2 point.

2021 Land Auctions

The county conducted 14 auctions totaling 1,223 acres. The average price per acre was $10,975, while the average $/CSR2 reached $144.

County Agricultural Data

• Average CSR2 Rating: 77
• 2023 USDA Average Corn Yield: 211.7 bushels per acre
• 2023 USDA Average Soybean Yield: 59.2 bushels per acre
• ISU Average Cash Rent per Acre: $261
• ISU Average Pasture Rent per Acre: $50–$100

Towns in Palo Alto County

Emmetsburg, Ruthven, Graettinger, Ayrshire, Cylinder, Mallard, Rodman, Curlew

Adjacent Counties

Emmet, Kossuth, Pocahontas, Clay

County Seat

Emmetsburg

Additional County Resources

• County Website: Palo Alto County Official Website
• Farm Service Agency: Palo Alto County FSA Office
• County Assessor: Access parcel IDs, taxes, and ownership details via the Assessor Page.

Free Farm Appraisal

If you’re researching land values, fill out our contact form or call Land Agent David Whitaker at 515-996-LAND (5263) to request a complimentary farmland appraisal.

Palo Alto County History

Palo Alto County was established in honor of the Battle of Palo Alto, the first major battle of the Mexican–American War. As of the 2020 census, the population stands at 8,996. Additional historical details can be accessed on Wikipedia.