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Land Cost Per Acre: A Regional Overview for Smart Buyers

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Land Cost Per Acre: What Buyers Need to Know by Region

When it comes to purchasing recreational or hunting land, few questions matter more than: What’s the average land cost per acre? Whether you’re an investor, an avid hunter, or someone dreaming of wide-open spaces, understanding how land prices vary by region helps guide your strategy—and your budget.

At a national level, several factors shape these costs: soil productivity, timber value, wildlife habitat, development potential, and more. In this guide, we’ll walk through six distinct regions in the U.S., providing a detailed look at the average price per acre for raw, undeveloped land—excluding any properties with homes or buildings.

Let’s explore how land cost per acre differs across the country, and what it means for land buyers like you.

Land Cost Per Acre: Regional Price Breakdown

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Here’s a comprehensive look at six U.S. regions and their current average cost per acre, based on historical land sales data.

1. Southwest (Oklahoma and Texas) – $1,701 per Acre

In the Southwest, land offers a rare combination of affordability and recreational value. Milder winters, expansive landscapes, and strong game populations make states like Texas and Oklahoma attractive for buyers seeking lifestyle and legacy properties.

So, why is land so affordable here? Unlike the Midwest, the Southwest isn’t dominated by commercial row-cropping. The native landscape supports deer on browse, mast crops, and grasses rather than nutrient-heavy agriculture. With less competition from farmers, recreational buyers benefit from lower prices.

Additionally, cropland in Texas and Oklahoma averages around $1,590 per acre—much lower than the national average—helping keep overall land costs in check.

2. Western Midwest (Minnesota and Wisconsin) – $2,326 per Acre

These two states are home to storied deer hunting legacies and consistently rank high in trophy buck production. Yet despite their hunting prestige, land in this region remains surprisingly accessible.

Minnesota’s southeastern region is known for its rich agricultural base and big-bodied deer, while northern regions offer seclusion and lower prices. In Wisconsin, strong landowner awareness of wildlife value often influences market prices—but great opportunities still exist, particularly in more remote tracts.

As with most regions, farmland value and development pressure often shape land pricing more than the quality of the hunting.

3. Southeast (Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana) – $2,492 per Acre

The Southeast is a timber-dominant land market, and that’s good news for buyers.

Why? Timberland is a resilient investment. Unlike crops, trees continue growing during market downturns and can be harvested when market conditions are favorable. This creates a unique value proposition: enjoy hunting and recreation now, and realize returns later through timber harvests.

In this region, you’re also likely to find large contiguous tracts, diverse game species, and affordable management options—all contributing to solid long-term value.

4. Mideast (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio) – $2,796 per Acre

Land in this region has quietly become a favorite among trophy deer hunters—and investors have noticed.

Kentucky leads the region in affordability, with an average land cost per acre around $1,600. Despite its lower price, Kentucky is a powerhouse in trophy deer rankings. On the other hand, Ohio and Indiana carry higher cropland values and strong potential for mineral rights, driving up land prices.

With cropland in Indiana averaging over $6,900/acre, it’s no surprise that even recreational properties see elevated prices. Still, whether you’re hunting record-book whitetails or exploring passive income through leasing or royalties, this region has plenty to offer.

5. Great Plains (Kansas and Nebraska) – $2,872 per Acre

If your land goals include both recreation and income potential, look to the heartland.

Kansas and Nebraska are agricultural leaders—with Nebraska ranking second nationally in corn production and Kansas first in winter wheat. These states offer abundant deer populations and ample opportunity for income from crop leases or Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments.

For buyers not interested in farming, look for tracts adjacent to ag fields. These “fringe” lands often provide fantastic deer hunting without the premium price tag attached to tillable acreage.

6. Eastern & Southern Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri) – $2,975 per Acre

It’s no surprise that this region tops the price charts. With a well-earned reputation for producing world-class deer, land in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri carries a premium.

These states combine exceptional soil productivity, established CRP programs, and consistent wildlife management practices. While prices can feel steep at first glance, many properties offer immediate returns through crop rent, timber harvests, or recreational leases.

Even with higher price points, this region delivers when it comes to quality hunting, income potential, and long-term land value.

Land Cost: It’s More Than Just a Price Tag

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Understanding land cost isn’t just about comparing numbers—it’s about evaluating opportunity. In many cases, buyers are purchasing more than just dirt and trees. They’re acquiring a lifestyle, a legacy, or an income-producing asset.

From the timberlands of the Southeast to the cornfields of the Midwest, every region offers something unique. Your priorities—whether that’s trophy deer, generational wealth, or weekend escapes—should guide your buying decision.

So take your time. Ask questions. Think long-term. Because smart land ownership starts with understanding the land itself.

LandLeader: The Land Marketing Platform Built for Buyers & Sellers

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Navigating land purchases can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. LandLeader offers a platform designed to connect motivated buyers with the nation’s top land brokers. Whether you’re buying your first hunting property or expanding your investment portfolio, LandLeader helps you find the right land, in the right place, at the right price.

Explore listings, get expert insights, and discover what’s possible—because great land starts with great guidance.