Acre Value by State : Land Prices, Trends & Investment Insights
Top 5 State By Least Price Of Acre
New Mexico
$671
Wyoming
$968
Nevada
$1,120
Montana
$1,180
North Dakota
$2,140
| S no | States | 2025 | 2023 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $671 | $671 | $610 |
| 2 | Wyoming | $968 | $968 | $850 |
| 3 | Nevada | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,060 |
| 4 | Montana | $1,180 | $1,180 | $1,030 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $2,140 | $2,140 | $2,050 |
| 6 | Colorado | $2,150 | $2,150 | $1,770 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | $2,210 | $2,210 | $2,250 |
| 8 | Texas | $2,610 | $2,610 | $2,650 |
| 9 | South Dakota | $2,630 | $2,630 | $2,600 |
| 10 | Kansas | $2,750 | $2,750 | $2,630 |
| 11 | Utah | $3,040 | $3,040 | $2,810 |
| 12 | Maine | $3,170 | $3,170 | $2,860 |
| 13 | West Virginia | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,000 |
| 14 | Mississippi | $3,370 | $3,370 | $3,000 |
| 15 | Oregon | $3,500 | $3,500 | $3,040 |
| 16 | Washington | $3,510 | $3,510 | $3,100 |
| 17 | Louisiana | $3,600 | $3,600 | $3,410 |
| 18 | Alabama | $3,660 | $3,660 | $3,400 |
| 19 | Arizona | $3,780 | $3,780 | $4,200 |
| 20 | Nebraska | $3,820 | $3,820 | $3,750 |
| 21 | Arkansas | $3,920 | $3,920 | $3,550 |
| 22 | New York | $3,960 | $3,960 | $3,450 |
| 23 | Vermont | $4,140 | $4,140 | $4,200 |
| 24 | Idaho | $4,190 | $4,190 | $3,700 |
| 25 | Georgia | $4,270 | $4,270 | $3,960 |
| 26 | South Carolina | $4,360 | $4,360 | $3,800 |
| 27 | Missouri | $4,610 | $4,610 | $4,150 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $4,850 | $4,850 | $5,150 |
| 29 | Kentucky | $4,930 | $4,930 | $4,350 |
| 30 | Virginia | $5,300 | $5,300 | $5,100 |
| 31 | Michigan | $5,880 | $5,880 | $5,850 |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $5,940 | $5,940 | $5,350 |
| 33 | Minnesota | $6,110 | $6,110 | $6,150 |
| 34 | Wisconsin | $6,120 | $6,120 | $5,700 |
| 35 | Florida | $7,320 | $7,320 | $6,600 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $8,020 | $8,020 | $7,350 |
| 37 | Ohio | $8,040 | $8,040 | $7,200 |
| 38 | Indiana | $8,260 | $8,260 | $8,000 |
| 39 | Iowa | $9,250 | $9,250 | $9,400 |
| 40 | Maryland | $9,260 | $9,260 | $3,700 |
| 41 | Delaware | $9,520 | $9,520 | $9,800 |
| 42 | California | $13,100 | $13,100 | $12,000 |
| 43 | Massachusetts | $13,800 | $13,800 | $15,200 |
| 44 | Connecticut | $13,900 | $13,900 | $13,700 |
| 45 | New Jersey | $16,000 | $16,000 | $15,400 |
| 46 | Rhode Island | $21,000 | $21,000 | $17,500 |
| 47 | Alaska | $0 | ||
| 48 | District of Columbia | $0 | ||
| 49 | Hawaii | $0 | ||
| 50 | Illinois | $8,900 | ||
| 51 | Tennessee | $4,700 |
Introduction: Understanding Acre Value Across the United States
When it comes to land investments, the value of an acre by state defines not just property worth but also the future potential of that region. Whether you’re a real estate investor, farmer, or homebuyer, knowing how much an acre costs in each U.S. state can shape smarter financial decisions.
At Rankerover.com, we deliver accurate, data-driven insights into acre value by state, exploring economic trends, regional demand, agricultural opportunities, and urban development influences.
📊 What Is the Average Acre Value by State?
The average acre value in the U.S. varies dramatically depending on location, infrastructure, soil fertility, and proximity to cities.
For example:
- Iowa, Illinois, and California boast some of the highest agricultural land prices, often exceeding $10,000 per acre.
- Wyoming, New Mexico, and Nevada, known for vast open lands, average under $2,000 per acre.
- Florida and Texas showcase strong appreciation due to urban sprawl and population migration.
These differences highlight why state-wise acre evaluation is crucial before purchasing or investing.
🌾 Top 10 States with the Highest Acre Value in 2025
1. California – Premium Urban and Farmland
California remains unbeatable, especially in the Central Valley and Silicon Valley suburbs, with an average acre price surpassing $39,000, driven by demand, tech expansion, and limited supply.
2. New Jersey – High Value in Limited Space
The Garden State’s small area and dense development make its average acre value nearly $32,000, particularly near New York City.
3. Massachusetts – Compact and Costly
With its coastal economy and limited rural land, Massachusetts averages $28,000 per acre, one of the most expensive for small landholders.
4. Connecticut – Urban Meets Nature
Land value blends luxury housing and preserved nature, averaging $24,000 per acre.
5. New York – Diverse Price Range
While upstate land remains affordable, NYC outskirts push the state’s average beyond $22,500 per acre.
6. Hawaii – Paradise Pricing
Hawaii’s scenic appeal drives its land cost to around $21,000 per acre, even in rural zones.
7. Maryland – Urban Expansion Influence
Maryland’s closeness to Washington D.C. and Baltimore spikes its acre value to roughly $18,500.
8. Washington – Tech and Timber Balance
With tech-driven real estate and profitable timber lands, Washington averages $16,000 per acre.
9. Florida – Growth and Sunshine
Florida’s acre value has surged to $14,500, thanks to high migration, tourism, and farm conversion.
10. Texas – The Powerhouse of Growth
Despite vast land availability, urban areas like Austin and Dallas push averages near $12,000 per acre.
💰 Factors Influencing Acre Value by State
- Population Growth & Urbanization – Rapid expansion boosts per-acre prices near metropolitan centers.
- Agricultural Productivity – Fertile soil states like Iowa or Illinois command premium prices.
- Infrastructure Development – Highways, schools, and connectivity raise surrounding land values.
- Climate & Terrain – Harsh or arid lands are cheaper due to limited usability.
- Government Policies – State-level zoning and taxation laws directly affect pricing trends.
🧭 How to Evaluate Acre Value Before You Buy
Before purchasing, investors should analyze:
- Comparable land sales (comps)
- Accessibility to utilities and roads
- Zoning restrictions and development rights
- Proximity to growing cities
- Future infrastructure plans
Tools like Rankerover’s State Land Calculator (coming soon) can simplify your decision-making with real-time valuations.
📈 Acre Value Trends for 2025 and Beyond
- Tech & Remote Work Expansion: More Americans seek rural acreage near suburban zones.
- Climate Change Impact: Agricultural viability affects Midwest pricing.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Solar and wind farm leases are reshaping land demand.
- Urban Housing Crisis: Expanding metro edges increase rural-to-urban transition value.
According to recent market data, U.S. farmland prices grew 6.8% in 2024, continuing a five-year upward trend.
🌿 Acre Value for Agriculture vs Residential Development
| Category | Average Value per Acre (USD) | Example States |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Land | $4,000 – $7,000 | Iowa, Illinois, Kansas |
| Residential Development | $10,000 – $30,000 | Texas, Florida, California |
| Industrial & Commercial | $20,000+ | New York, New Jersey, Washington |
Understanding your purpose—farming, investment, or housing—is vital for realistic pricing and ROI.
🌎 Regional Overview: Acre Value by U.S. Zones
1. Midwest – America’s Farming Core
High fertility and established farming make this region stable and investment-worthy.
2. South – Fast-Growing and Affordable
Texas, Georgia, and Florida attract buyers due to balanced price and potential.
3. West – Expensive but Expanding
California, Washington, and Colorado show high returns despite steep entry costs.
4. Northeast – Dense and Pricey
Limited land supply increases long-term appreciation potential.
5. Mountain States – Affordable Land Opportunities
Montana and Wyoming are ideal for long-term land banking.
FAQs About Acre Value by State
1. Which state has the most expensive land per acre?
California currently leads with prices over $39,000 per acre in key regions.
2. What is the cheapest U.S. state to buy land?
Wyoming and New Mexico remain the most affordable, under $2,000 per acre.
3. Does land value increase every year?
Historically, yes—U.S. land appreciates 3–6% annually, depending on the region.
4. Can I buy one acre of land online?
Yes, many verified real estate platforms and auctions now allow online acre purchases.
5. What is the average price per acre in Texas?
As of 2025, approximately $12,000 per acre, higher near major cities.
6. Is agricultural land cheaper than residential?
Usually, yes—residential land has higher zoning and utility premiums.
7. How do taxes affect acre value?
Higher property taxes can lower investor interest and value growth.
8. What’s the return on land investment?
Annual returns range from 5–10%, depending on use and location.
9. Which factors reduce acre value?
Poor access, zoning limits, or environmental restrictions.
10. Which states offer tax breaks for farmland?
Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska offer excellent agricultural tax incentives.
11. How much is an acre near New York City worth?
Land near NYC averages over $40,000 per acre due to demand.
12. Can land lose value?
Yes, but rarely; economic downturns or zoning changes can affect it.
13. Where to check accurate acre value updates?
Rankerover.com provides up-to-date U.S. state-wise valuation tables.
14. Which states are best for land flipping?
Texas, Florida, and Arizona show high flipping potential.
15. How much does undeveloped land cost in the U.S.?
Undeveloped acreage averages $3,000–$5,000 nationally.
16. Does inflation impact land value?
Yes, land often appreciates faster than inflation.
17. How to finance land purchases?
Use land loans, private investors, or owner financing options.
18. Can foreigners buy U.S. land?
Yes, there are no federal restrictions for foreign ownership.
19. What’s the best state for agricultural ROI?
Iowa and Illinois continue to lead in farm profitability.
20. How will land prices trend by 2030?
Experts forecast 25–35% appreciation across high-demand states.
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