Average Price Per Acre in Each U.S. State
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Land Value Estimate Summary
- Arizona has the lowest cost per acre in the U.S. The average cost per acre is $4,200.
- The state with the most expensive vacant land is Rhode Island where an acre of land costs $350,400.
- An acre of land is 43,560 square feet.
Are you looking to sell your vacant land but are not sure what it’s worth? Use this land value estimator to get an idea of what land is selling for in your state.
Of course, many questions influence the value of land. The big ones are:
- Does the property currently have road access?
- Is the property in a flood zone?
- Are there any features to the property like water frontage or scenic views?
- Does the property already have utilities?
The 5 States Where Land is the Most Valuable:
- Rhode Island – $350,400/acre
- Massachusetts – $333,200/acre
- Connecticut – $282,900/acre
- New Jersey – $242,900/acre
- Hawai’i – $202,400/acre
The ‘small’ states in the northeast are some of the most expensive price-per-acre states in the country.
These states are densely populated and…well…small. There’s only so much land to go around!
Hawai’i makes the top 5 list. The state has a vast amount of waterfront properties while other parts of the state are considered unhabitable.
The 5 States Where Land is the Least Valuable:
- Arizona – $4,200/acre
- New Mexico – $6,000/acre
- Mississippi – $10,800/acre
- Colorado – $11,600/acre
- Arkansas – $11,600/acre
Selling land in one of these ‘cheap’ states can be a lot easier compared to our friends in the Northeast.
A lower price per acre means more buyers can afford to buy your land.
The western states are popular places for land investors to buy land.
Check out our guides to selling land in Arizona, selling land in New Mexico and selling land in Colorado.
New York ranks as the 6th ‘cheapest’ state.
That might be a surprise to most of us. Beyond New York City, the state of New York is primarily rural.
Check out our guide to selling land in New York.
Land Value Estimate by State
| Rank | State | Avg. Price Per Acre |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rhode Island | $350,400 |
| 2. | Massachusetts | $333,200 |
| 3. | Connecticut | $282,900 |
| 4. | New Jersey | $242,900 |
| 5. | Hawaii | $202,400 |
| 6. | Utah | $195,900 |
| 7. | Delaware | $175,600 |
| 8. | New Hampshire | $165,100 |
| 9. | Maryland | $106,200 |
| 10. | Washington | $80,400 |
| 11. | South Dakota | $77,400 |
| 12. | Ohio | $69,600 |
| 13. | Idaho | $62,500 |
| 14. | Vermont | $62,300 |
| 15. | Alaska | $62,200 |
| 16. | Nevada | $59,900 |
| 17. | Wyoming | $54,000 |
| 18. | Iowa | $51,100 |
| 19. | Nebraska | $49,800 |
| 20. | Minnesota | $47,400 |
| 21. | North Dakota | $46,100 |
| 22. | Maine | $45,400 |
| 23. | West Virginia | $44,800 |
| 24. | Indiana | $43,800 |
| 25. | Pennsylvania | $42,500 |
| 26. | Florida | $34,900 |
| 27. | Georgia | $30,000 |
| 28. | Texas | $29,800 |
| 29. | Illinois | $29,300 |
| 30. | Montana | $28,900 |
| 31. | Kansas | $26,900 |
| 32. | Louisiana | $26,800 |
| 33. | Wisconsin | $25,200 |
| 34. | Virginia | $23,900 |
| 35. | Tennessee | $22,700 |
| 36. | South Carolina | $22,100 |
| 37. | Kentucky | $21,400 |
| 38. | North Carolina | $20,300 |
| 39. | California | $20,000 |
| 40. | Oklahoma | $19,600 |
| 41. | Michigan | $18,300 |
| 42. | Alabama | $18,100 |
| 43. | Oregon | $16,200 |
| 44. | Missouri | $14,100 |
| 45. | New York | $12,000 |
| 46. | Arkansas | $11,600 |
| 47. | Colorado | $11,600 |
| 48. | Mississippi | $10,800 |
| 49. | New Mexico | $6,000 |
| 50. | Arizona | $4,200 |
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Credit Zippia.com for the cost per acre data.
Expanded Insights: Factors That Impact Land Value and Selling Potential
Regional Market Dynamics
Land values can vary significantly not just by state but also by region within states. For example, while Arizona has the lowest average price per acre, premium parcels near urban centers like Phoenix or Tucson may command higher prices due to proximity to amenities and development potential. Similarly, in states like New York, rural areas have much lower values compared to properties near metropolitan hubs like New York City.
Zoning and Permitted Use
The potential use of your land is a significant factor in determining its value. Properties zoned for residential, commercial, or mixed-use development often attract higher bids due to their flexibility. Conversely, parcels with restrictive zoning, such as for agricultural or conservation use, may see less demand unless targeted to specific buyers like farmers or environmental groups.
- Tip: Highlight any flexibility or potential for rezoning when marketing your property.
Access and Infrastructure Availability
Buyers prioritize land with easy road access and existing infrastructure such as utilities (electricity, water, and sewage). Properties without these amenities often appeal to niche buyers like investors interested in remote or recreational land.
- Properties with paved or well-maintained roads tend to attract a broader audience.
- If your property lacks road access, consider securing an easement to boost its appeal.
Scenic and Recreational Features
Natural attributes such as water frontage, mountain views, or proximity to national parks can substantially increase land value. These features cater to recreational buyers looking for camping, fishing, or hunting properties, as well as developers seeking premium plots for vacation homes.
- Tip: Invest in high-quality photography or drone footage to showcase these unique features.
Trends in Hot and Cold States
Hot markets like Florida, Texas, and Arizona continue to see increased demand for land due to population growth and favorable climates. These states often attract retirees, snowbirds, and investors. Meanwhile, states with smaller populations or harsher climates, such as Vermont or Alaska, may require more targeted marketing efforts to find the right buyer.
Tax and Maintenance Implications
Before selling, consider the annual costs of holding your land, including property taxes and maintenance expenses. Highlighting these factors can motivate buyers to act quickly, especially if you can demonstrate low carrying costs.
Environmental and Legal Considerations
- Flood Zones: Properties in flood-prone areas may require buyers to purchase additional insurance, which can deter some prospects.
- Conservation Easements: If your land includes protected areas, it may limit development but appeal to conservation-focused buyers.
Land Use Trends and Future Development
In states like Texas, Colorado, and Florida, land buyers are increasingly looking for parcels with development potential as urban sprawl pushes demand outward. If your land is near expanding suburbs, highlight its potential for residential or mixed-use projects.
Additional Resources for Land Sellers
Leverage Online Tools for Competitive Pricing
Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and specialized platforms can provide insights into comparable land prices in your area. Tools like the Land Value Estimator offer a quick way to gauge your property’s baseline value, but consulting a professional appraiser can help refine your pricing strategy.
Collaborate with Local Experts
Engage with a real estate agent or land specialist familiar with local trends, especially if you’re in a state with diverse property types like California or Florida. They can guide you on zoning laws, market dynamics, and effective marketing strategies.
Targeted Marketing for Niche Buyers
Use platforms like Craigslist, LandWatch, or Facebook Marketplace to connect with niche buyers. Highlight attributes like acreage, zoning flexibility, and scenic features to appeal to specific audiences.
Ready to Sell? Simplify the Process
By connecting with experienced land investors, you can streamline your transaction, avoid marketing efforts, and bypass the lengthy traditional sales process.
Complete the form on SellTheLandNow.com to receive cash offers tailored to your property’s unique characteristics.