By Scout Nelson
Cropland values across North Dakota continued to rise in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit increases. According to data from the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands, the statewide average value per acre increased by 10.55% over the past year. From 2022 to 2025, values grew from $2,519 to $3,534 per acre—a nearly 40% increase overall.
The North Red River Valley led the way with a 22.1% rise, followed by the Northwest region at 19.66%. All nine NDSU Extension regions saw increases, with the North Central region showing the smallest gain at 3.3%.
“The momentum that North Dakota land values experienced in 2024 and now into 2025 is a bit surprising given that net farm incomes in 2023 and 2024 were much lower than in 2021 and 2022, due to much lower commodity prices and rising production costs,” says Parman. “It is also surprising given that interest rate increases in 2023 and 2024 have been in place long enough to be a factor in any newly financed purchases over the last few years.”
Cash rental rates also increased in most areas, although at a slower pace. Statewide cash rents rose by 4.25%, with the highest regional increase of 10.4% again in the North Red River Valley. Some areas, like the Southwest, saw minimal or negative changes.
The long-term trend shows a widening gap between land values and rental income. In 2025, rental rates stand at just 2.34% of land value—down from over 9% three decades ago.
Despite economic challenges, North Dakota’s cropland remains a strong and growing asset.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: North Dakota, Crops