Land Value Per Acre by State in 2026: US Farmland and Property Prices

Average Land Value Per Acre in the US (2026)

US land values vary dramatically by state, land type, and proximity to urban centers. The national average for US agricultural land is approximately $4,080 per acre (USDA 2025 data, adjusted for 2026 trends).

Below is a breakdown by state and land type.

Average Farmland Value Per Acre by State (2026 Estimates)

State	Avg. Cropland / acre	Avg. Pasture / acre
California	$12,500 – $20,000+	$3,000 – $6,000
Iowa	$9,500 – $14,000	$3,500 – $5,500
Illinois	$8,500 – $13,000	$3,000 – $5,000
Indiana	$7,500 – $11,000	$2,500 – $4,500
Ohio	$6,500 – $10,000	$2,500 – $4,000
Nebraska	$4,000 – $8,000	$1,000 – $2,500
Kansas	$2,500 – $6,000	$800 – $2,000
Minnesota	$5,000 – $9,000	$2,000 – $4,000
Wisconsin	$4,500 – $8,000	$2,000 – $3,500
Michigan	$4,000 – $7,500	$2,000 – $3,500
Missouri	$3,500 – $6,500	$1,500 – $3,000
Texas	$2,500 – $7,000	$1,000 – $3,000
Florida	$4,000 – $10,000	$2,000 – $5,000
Georgia	$3,500 – $7,000	$1,500 – $3,500
North Carolina	$4,000 – $8,000	$2,000 – $4,000
Colorado	$1,500 – $5,000	$500 – $2,000
Montana	$800 – $3,000	$300 – $1,200
Wyoming	$700 – $2,500	$200 – $800
New Mexico	$500 – $2,000	$200 – $700
Nevada	$600 – $2,500	$200 – $800

Data sourced from USDA NASS and regional land market reports. Values represent ranges for productive agricultural land as of early 2026.

Most Expensive States for Land (Per Acre)

The most expensive agricultural land is concentrated in:

• New Jersey: Highest average farmland value in the US at $15,000–$25,000/acre due to suburban pressure
• Rhode Island: $15,000+/acre
• Connecticut: $12,000–$18,000/acre
• California: Wine country and Central Valley cropland at $12,000–$30,000+/acre
• Massachusetts: $10,000–$20,000/acre near population centers

Least Expensive States for Land (Per Acre)

• New Mexico: $500–$2,000/acre for rural agricultural land
• Wyoming: $700–$2,500/acre
• Nevada: $600–$2,500/acre (desert/range land)
• Montana: $800–$3,000/acre
• South Dakota: $1,000–$3,500/acre

Factors That Determine Land Value Per Acre

• Soil quality: High-yield cropland (Class 1–2 soils) commands significant premiums over poor or rocky land
• Water access: Irrigated cropland is worth 2–5× more than dryland in arid regions
• Location and proximity: Land near urban areas sells at a premium driven by development potential
• Timber value: Forested land value depends on timber species and density
• Mineral rights: Oil, gas, and mineral rights can multiply land value in resource-rich areas
• Zoning: Agricultural zoning limits development, keeping prices lower than residential-zoned land
• Infrastructure: Road access, electricity, water, and sewer increase value substantially
• Lease income: Currently leased agricultural land with stable income sells at higher multiples

Rural vs Urban vs Suburban Land Values

Land Type	Typical Range / Acre
Remote rural / rangeland	$200 – $1,500
Productive farmland (Midwest)	$4,000 – $14,000
Suburban rural (within 50 miles of major city)	$5,000 – $30,000
Suburban residential lot	$50,000 – $500,000+
Urban infill / commercial	$500,000 – $5,000,000+

How to Measure Land and Estimate Value

Before buying or selling land, knowing the exact acreage is critical. Even a 5% measurement error on a 100-acre parcel at $5,000/acre = $25,000 difference.

Use LandLens to measure any property quickly:

• Walk the boundary — GPS calculates exact acreage automatically
• Get area in acres, hectares, or square feet instantly
• Export PDF reports for buyers, sellers, and lenders
• Works offline on rural properties with no cell signal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of an acre of land in the US?

The national average for agricultural land is approximately $4,000–$4,500 per acre as of 2026. This varies enormously by state and land type — from under $500/acre for remote rangeland to $20,000+/acre for prime cropland near urban areas.

Which state has the cheapest land per acre?

New Mexico, Wyoming, Nevada, and Montana consistently offer the lowest land prices, with rural agricultural land available for under $2,000/acre in many areas.

What state has the most expensive farmland?

New Jersey has the highest average farmland values due to suburban development pressure. California's wine country and Central Valley premium cropland also ranks among the highest nationally.

How do I find out what my land is worth?

Start with county assessor records for assessed value, then consult recent comparable sales in your area. For an accurate acreage measurement to support valuation, use LandLens to measure your property's exact boundaries and area.