For most of its existence, McHenry County had been an agricultural community. Over the past 30 years, the county has developed substantially, but agriculture continues to play an important part in the local economy. As of 2020, approximately 2,300 residents remain employed in the agricultural sector. The market value of the crops sold in 2019 that were grown McHenry County amounted to $182,433,000. There are currently 911 farms in McHenry County, Comprising of 234,211 acres- Approximately 60% of the county’s area. The Average size farm is 257 acres. McHenry County ranks 1st in Illinois for value of Christmas Trees cut, 1st in the state for value of aquaculture, 5th in the state for acres planted to forages, and 7th in the state for values of sales of milk. Whether it's the population or the crops, McHenry County is growing.