Regions
Kentucky has five major land regions: the Bluegrass region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Western Coal Fields, the Pennyroyal Plateau, and the Jackson Purchase region.
Agriculture
Agriculture generates about $5.3 billion in revenue for the Bluegrass state. There are approximately 76,500 farms in the state, covering 13 million acres. The average size farm comprises 171 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 120 counties.
Kentucky’s top commodities are soybeans, equine and cattle products, and corn. The state also grows substantial quantities of hay, tobacco, and broilers. Most of the cropland is found in the Bluegrass region of the state.
Wildlife
With its mountains and lush forests, Kentucky wildlife is abundant on both land and water. Elk, black bear, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and raccoons are among the primary wildlife found. Kentucky is committed to conserving its wildlife habitats and natural resources.
Diverse fishing opportunities across the state include smallmouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish, shellcrackers, muskellunge, crappie, trout, largemouth bass, walleye and spotted bass.
Major Rivers and Lakes
The Bluegrass state’s major rivers are the Mississippi River, Ohio River, Cumberland River, Tennessee River, Green River, and Kentucky River. Their main tributaries include the Ohio River, Obey River, Caney Fork River, Barren River, and the Nolin River.
Kentucky Lake, the largest lake in Kentucky, is located on the Tennessee River and splits the Kentucky/Tennessee border. The surface area of this lake is approximately 160,320 acres (250.5 square miles). Other large lakes include Lake Cumberland and Lake Barkley, which exceed 123,360 surface area acres.
Regions
Iowa consists of seven major landform regions: Northwest Iowa Plains, Des Moines Lobe, Iowan Surface, Paleozoic Plateau, Missouri Alluvial Plain, Loess Hills, and Southern Iowa Drift Plain.
State and National Parks
Kentucky has 45 state parks and 6 national parks.
National Parks:
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
- Camp Nelson National Monument
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield
- Mammoth Cave National Park
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | Bluegrass State |
| Neighboring States | Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri |
| Regions | Bluegrass, Cumberland Plateau, Western Coal Fields, the Pennyroyal Plateau, and Jackson Purchase |
| State Flower | Giant Goldenrod |
| State Bird | Northern Cardinal |
| Big Game | White-tailed deer, bear, elk, and turkey |
| Small Game | Squirrels, northern bobwhite, crow, quail, and rabbit |
| Freshwater Fish | Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, black bullhead, and freshwater drum |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/default.aspx |
| Total Acreage | 25.8 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 1.9 million acres |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 58 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 13 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 12.4 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ky/programs/financial/csp/ |
| Primary Crops | Soybeans and Corn |
| Main Rivers | Columbia River, Snake River, and Deschutes River |
| Largest Lake | Kentucky Lake |
| Other Lakes | Lake Cumberland, Lake Barkley, and Watts Bar Lake |
| Major Rivers | Mississippi River, Ohio River, Cumberland River, Tennessee River, Green River, and Kentucky River |
| Other Tributaries | Ohio River, Obey River, Caney Fork River, Barren River, and Nolin River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Kentucky began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky 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 a Kentucky land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of land are available in Kentucky and how do prices vary by region?
Kentucky has a very mixed land market. The Bluegrass Region around Lexington holds some of the most famous horse farms in the world because the limestone soil is perfect for raising Thoroughbreds. Out west, the Purchase and Pennyrile regions have great flat land for growing crops. The Eastern Kentucky mountains have endless forests at low prices, but the hills are steep and rugged. South central Kentucky offers a mix of cattle pastures, hunting woods and timber. According to recent rural land sales data, prices start at 800 to 2000 dollars per acre for steep mountain woods out east and jump all the way to 5000 to 15000 dollars or more per acre for elite horse farms in the Inner Bluegrass.
What makes the Kentucky Bluegrass region so famous for horse farming?
The Inner Bluegrass area around Lexington sits on top of a massive layer of Ordovician limestone. According to soil scientists at the University of Kentucky, this limestone breaks down and fills the soil with incredibly high levels of calcium and phosphorus. The grass sucks up these minerals and when the horses eat the grass it builds incredibly dense and strong bones that help them win races. The famous Keeneland horse sales draw wealthy buyers from all over the world. Because of this horse farms in Woodford and Fayette counties sell for massive amounts of money that have absolutely nothing to do with what a normal farmer could make growing corn or beans on that same land.
What should buyers know about mineral rights in Eastern Kentucky?
According to the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, it is incredibly common for the mineral rights to be split from the surface rights in coal counties like Pike, Letcher, Harlan, Bell and Knox. Back in the 1900s, mining companies bought the rights to the coal and gas underground but left the surface land with the local farmers. If you buy land there today, a coal or gas company might still have the legal right to drive equipment onto your property and start digging or drilling. You absolutely must hire a lawyer to run a deep title search before you buy land in Eastern Kentucky, so you know exactly who owns the rights to what is under your feet.
