How Much of Illinois is Covered by Cornfields

Ever wonder just how many cornfields are hiding in plain sight across Illinois, taking up more space than your daily worries? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a mind-blowing number that’ll make you feel like you’re living in a maze of endless cornstalks.

Cornfields of Illinois 101

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BrilliantMaps.com decided it would be a good idea to remind everyone how much corn Illinois is drowning in. Their latest map shows the percentage of each state covered by cornfields, and—surprise, surprise—Illinois is basically a corn-filled buffet.

Data shows that Illinois has around 11,200 cornfields for every 1,000 acres. What does that even mean? Well, it means that no matter where you go in Illinois, you’re probably within shouting distance of a cornfield.

How Much of Illinois is Covered in Cornfields

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According to the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, about 29.7% of Illinois is swallowed up by cornfields. Yes, nearly a third of the entire state is dedicated to the majestic art of growing corn.

So if you ever feel like there’s more corn than people here, you’re not wrong.

And, in case you thought all this corn was just sitting around doing nothing, think again. Experts say that growing and processing corn adds a casual $17.5 billion to Illinois' economy every year, according to wgntv.com.

Keep this in mind the next time you’re stuck behind a slow-moving tractor on a back road, that is literally driving the state’s economy.

CORNFIELDS: the true rulers of Illinois, and we’re all just living in their world.

If you’re thinking Iowa’s got us beat, you’re right—they’ve got about 13,100 fields per 1,000 acres, or 36.4%.

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Source: Do You Know How Much of Illinois is Cornfields?

Filed Under: Illinois History

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