Polk County Iowa Land Information
Discover farmland opportunities in Polk County, Iowa. Review typical land prices, recent auction activity, local towns, and other key agricultural resources to support your property research. If you’d like a FREE farm appraisal or have questions, reach out to your local Polk County land expert today.
Location: Central Iowa
Average Farmland Value: $22,121.23 per acre. For the most up-to-date value or to find out 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)
Polk County has conducted two farmland auctions so far in 2025, totaling 152.25 acres. The average price per acre for these sales is currently undetermined, and the average return per CSR2 point is also undetermined.
2024 Land Auctions
During 2024, eight farmland auctions took place across the county, totaling 520.05 acres. These sales resulted in an average price of $22,121.23 per acre. Furthermore, the average $/CSR2 reached $178.33.
2023 Land Auctions
In 2023, eight farmland auctions were recorded, involving 735.18 acres. Land values averaged $14,050 per acre. Meanwhile, the average $/CSR2 increased to $179.57.
2022 Land Auctions
Throughout 2022, eight farmland auctions were completed, representing 785.02 acres. The county averaged $12,133.33 per acre that year. In addition, the average return reached $157.75 per CSR2 point.
2021 Land Auctions
In 2021, two farmland auctions occurred, moving 178 acres. Farmland values averaged $9,000 per acre, with an average return of $153 per CSR2 point.
2020 Land Auctions
Looking back to 2020, four farmland auctions took place across the county, totaling 400 acres. Land averaged $7,650 per acre. Moreover, the average $/CSR2 was $99.
County Agricultural Data
- Average CSR2 Rating: 70.7
- 2023 USDA Average Corn Yield: 206 bushels per acre
- 2023 USDA Average Soybean Yield: 61 bushels per acre
- ISU Average Cash Rent per Acre: $271
- ISU Pasture Rent per Acre: $50–$100
Towns in Polk County
Alleman, Clive, Johnston, Runnells, Altoona, Des Moines, Mitchellville, Sheldahl, Ankeny, Elkhart, Norwalk, Urbandale, Bondurant, Granger, Pleasant Hill, West Des Moines, Carlisle, Grimes, Polk City, Windsor Heights
Adjacent Counties
Story, Jasper, Marion, Warren, Dallas, Boone
County Seat
Additional County Resources
- County Website: Polk County Official Website
- Farm Service Agency: Polk County FSA Office
- County Assessor: Access parcel data, taxes, and sales records at the Polk County 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.
Polk County History
Polk County is the most populous county in Iowa, with a 2020 population of 492,401. The county seat is Des Moines, which is also the state capital. Polk County is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Established in 1846 and named after U.S. President James K. Polk, the county grew quickly, with early courthouses built in 1846, 1858, and the present courthouse constructed in 1906. Additional historical details can be found on the county’s Wikipedia page.
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Location of Polk County highlighted on the Iowa state map.
