12 States Where Cheap Land Awaits You

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According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service 2024 Land Values summary from the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. average farm real estate value established a new record at $4,170. This reflects a 5% (U.S.) increase from 2023, though lower than the growth between 2021 and 2022.

However, finding reasonably-priced land within the United States can be an excellent opportunity for various investors, homebuilders, or even entrepreneurs looking to expand their enterprise operations. With dramatically different land prices throughout the country, some regions make a case for lower costs and the potential for development.

Texas

Texas boasts vast expanses of land for sale with low acreage prices, especially in rural areas. The estimated average land cost per acre in Texas, according to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, is about $4670 as of Q4 2023. The lenient zoning laws and pro-business environment attract investors and private buyers to the state.

Many counties in Texas offer property tax exemptions if used for agricultural or wildlife purposes; these can help reduce costs in the long term. With its fertile plains and arid regions, Texas can offer farming, ranching, or recreational development options.

Arkansas

Arkansas has repeatedly ranked among the most affordable states in the United States to buy land. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2023, the average land prices for an acre in Arkansas stands at $3,680 for irrigated cropland and $2,360 for non-irrigated cropland.

The mild climate and lush landscapes make it perfect for agriculture, timberland production, and recreational uses. Affordable property taxes and incentives for agricultural activities add to its appeal for buyers seeking budget-friendly options. Many parts of Arkansas, especially in the Ozarks, offer stunning natural beauty at a fraction of the cost of similar regions elsewhere.

Arizona

Arizona offers a surprising amount of affordable land, particularly in its rural and desert regions. Arizona Department of Real Estate indicates that the average price of undeveloped acreage for sale in Apache County was $91,761. The rapidly growing state population has increased land values near urban centers, yet land in outlying areas remains exceptionally cheap.

Many individuals use the land for off-the-grid living, solar energy projects, or recreation. Arizona is most in demand due to its warm climate and scenic landscapes, making it an attractive option for homebuyers looking for both affordability and natural beauty.

Colorado

While expensive properties are found in Colorado’s urban areas, its rural areas have reasonably affordable land options. Statistics from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs show that land in remote counties can cost as little as $1,000 per acre.

The view of the mountains in this state and the outdoor recreation available will attract many buyers. The plains areas of Colorado provide potential agriculture for farming or ranching interests. A robust economy and a growing population are possible advantages for long-term appreciation of value.

Tennessee

Tennessee is an attractive state for buyers seeking inexpensive land with benign weather. According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the average price of rural land in Tennessee is $4,700 per acre, and prices are even lower in parts of West Tennessee.

The state boasts highly fertile soil, and farming and homesteading are everyday activities. Tennessee does not levy a state income tax, a financial incentive for many buyers. Affordability, natural beauty, and other financial incentives make Tennessee a famous state for buying cheap land.

Maine

Maine is on the northeastern side of the United States and has some of the most affordable land. According to the Maine Real Estate Information System, the average rural land is supposed to be around $2,500 an acre. Its forests and waterways provide excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hunting, fishing, and camping.

Maine is sparsely populated, so large land areas are typically available for sale. Though the winters can be tough, the affordability and natural resources make it a perfect state for people to move in and live far away from bustling cities.

New Mexico

New Mexico combines affordability with other unique options for land ownership in the Southwest. Land is also sold at meager costs, such as in Luna County, where it can be found for less than $200 per acre. According to NASS, farmland is also very affordable in New Mexico, which had a state average of $610 per acre in 2023,

Relaxed building codes and generous solar energy resources make the state attractive to those interested in sustainable living. The rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery add value to the buyer beyond monetary issues.

Kentucky

Kentucky is another state where cheap lands are readily available due to its majority of rural areas. According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, farmland usually sells at an average of $3,100 per acre. This state is situated in the middle of most places, and the climate is mild enough that buyers can use this land for farming, livestock, or recreation.

Tax incentives and grants are frequently available for agricultural development. Rolling hills, fields of bluegrass, and reasonable costs make Kentucky a prime option for land buyers.

Mississippi

Mississippi boasts some of the country’s most inexpensive land, especially in its most rural counties. According to the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the average price for agricultural land is less than $3,000 per acre.

Mississippi’s fertile soil and warm climate make it ideal for farming and timber production. The state also has relatively low property taxes, which lower the overall cost of owning land. Thus, Mississippi stands out as the leading choice for those who can combine affordability with economic potential.

West Virginia

Compared to other states, West Virginia is affordable and scenic. According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the average rural land price is around $2,000 per acre. The rolling hills and dense forests throughout the state offer ideal hunting, hiking, and fishing settings.

West Virginia has a rich mining history; certain areas provide landowners with mineral rights. Proximity to major eastern cities ensures convenience without being too exposed. With reasonably low property taxes and a beautiful landscape, the state of West Virginia is one of the best-kept secrets for land buyers.

Alabama

Alabama is one of the best choices for affordable land. According to data from the Alabama Department of Agriculture, farmland in rural counties can go for as low as $2,500 per acre. Its benign climate and fertile soil further provide perfect conditions for agriculture and forestry.

Alabama provides a range of tax incentives for land development and agricultural use. Its aesthetically appealing landscape, from the coastal plains to the rolling hills, is suitable for personal and commercial purposes.

Oklahoma

Rarely considered, Oklahoma offers some of the cheapest plots of land in the entire Midwest. Rural land in Oklahoma averages approximately $1,800 per acre, with some counties averaging even less. The state’s area is great for farming and ranching due to its central location and robust agricultural infrastructure.

Oklahoma’s oil and gas industries open up options for owning mineral rights. Oklahoma has proven to be a sure direction for the budget-conscious buyer, from agricultural property to diversified uses.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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