Regions
Illinois has three main land regions, including the Northern, Central, and Southern.
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be an important industry for the Prairie State, generating $19 billion in revenues. There are approximately 72,000 farms in the state, covering 27 million acres of Illinois. The average size farm comprises 375 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 102 counties.
Illinois’ most valuable crops are corn and soybeans. The state also grows substantial quantities of pork, wheat, and cattle. Most of the cropland is found in the northeast region of the state.
Wildlife
Illinois wildlife is abundant within the state on both land and water and is known for its giant whitetails, other popular wildlife includes coyotes, fox, turkeys, quails, and rabbits.
Freshwater fishing includes sunfish, largemouth bass, lake sturgeon, and bluegill.
Illinois engages in multiple conservation efforts to protect and restore its land, water, and wildlife habitats.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Illinois’ three longest rivers are the Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Wabash River. Their main tributaries include the Kankakee River, Mazon River, Des Plaines River, Tennessee River, and Embarrass River.
Lake Michigan, the largest lake in Illinois, is supplied by multiple rivers. The surface area of this lake is approximately 14.3 million acres (22,406 square miles). Other significant lakes include Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake, and Lake Shelbyville.
State and National Parks
Illinois has 309 state parks and 5 national parks.
National Parks:
- Lewis and Clark Historic National Trail
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
- Pullman National Monument
- Trail of Tears National Scenic Trail
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | Prairie State |
| Neighboring States | Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri |
| Regions | Northern, Central, and Southern. |
| State Flower | Blue Violet |
| State Bird | Northern Cardinal |
| Big Game | White-tailed deer |
| Small Game | Quail, turkey, rabbit, gray squirrel, and waterfowl |
| Freshwater Fish | Sunfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/hunting/Pages/default.aspx |
| Total Acreage | 37 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 4.1% |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 32 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 27 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 4.9 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/CSP/ |
| Primary Crops | Corn and Soybeans |
| Main Rivers | Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Wabash River |
| Largest Lake | Lake Michigan |
| Other Lakes | Carlyle Lake, Rend Lake, and Lake Shelbyville |
| Other Tributaries | Kankakee River, Mazon River, Des Plaines River, Tennessee River, and Embarrass River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Illinois began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Illinois. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Illinois can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
Find an Illinois land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Illinois consistently one of the top rural land investment states?
Illinois has two massive advantages that rarely exist in the same state. First, its farmland is some of the most productive in the world. According to the University of Illinois farm data, the best corn and soybean ground in central Illinois routinely hits Soil Productivity Index ratings of 133 to 147. At the same time, most hunters consider Illinois the absolute best whitetail state in the country because it produces so many Boone and Crockett record book bucks. Properties that mix rich farm land with timbered creek bottoms demand huge premiums from both investors and hunters, making Illinois one of the most competitive and expensive land markets in the Midwest.
What are typical land prices across different Illinois regions?
According to 2026 data from the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, top-tier farm land in central Illinois counties like McLean, Livingston, Piatt and Macon usually sells for 15000 to 20000 dollars per acre. Good quality land in those same counties runs 11000 to 14000 dollars per acre. Down in southern Illinois where the land gets rougher prices drop to 6000 to 9000 dollars per acre. If you want prime hunting ground in western counties like Pike, Adams or Brown, you will pay a massive big buck premium, usually between 5000 and 9000 dollars per acre for land that mixes woods and crop fields. No matter what kind of land you want Illinois is one of the most expensive states in the Midwest.
What does the Illinois non-resident deer tag system look like?
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the state places a strict limit on the number of hunting permits it sells to out-of-state hunters each year. Non-residents have to apply through a lottery system for firearm and muzzleloader tags and the archery tags sell out incredibly fast. However, owning land in Illinois actually gives you a massive advantage. If you own at least 40 acres, the state has a special Non-Resident Landowner Program that lets you buy combo deer tags directly without fighting the public lottery. This guarantees you can hunt your own land every single year.
