How Much An Acre Of Land Costs In Each State

How Much an Acre of Land Costs in Each State | 2026 Update

Map of land costs by state

Cost of an Acre in Each State: 2026 Research Summary

The state with the most affordable land in the U.S. is Arizona, where an acre averages $4,200.

The state with the highest land prices is Rhode Island, where an acre costs an astounding $350,400.

The average size of property in the U.S. is 10,871 square feet, equivalent to a quarter of an acre.

Homeownership remains a key pillar of the American Dream, but navigating the current housing landscape has become increasingly complex.

As of 2026, the U.S. continues to face a housing shortage, estimated to be around 3.8 million homes, making homeownership unattainable for many.

This shortage, coupled with variable interest rates and the rise of remote and hybrid work options, has catalyzed a surge in new home construction. In fact, new home construction levels have reached their highest since 2006.

Just as home prices differ across states, so too does the cost of land. Our analysis reveals the states where land is either prohibitively expensive or surprisingly affordable.

In some states, the price of an acre of land could rival the cost of a modest starter home in other regions.

10 Most Expensive States to Buy Land

The data shows that land prices are steepest in the Northeast, with Rhode Island leading the pack at a staggering $350,400 per acre. So, where can potential buyers find more affordable options?

10 Cheapest States to Buy Land

For those seeking affordability, heading west could be advantageous. Many states with lower land prices also have lower population densities, making them attractive to those exploring remote work options. However, before relocating, it’s essential to ensure reliable internet access for remote job responsibilities.

How We Determined This

To ascertain the cost of an acre of land in each state, we reviewed the estimated average land values as of June 2023, encompassing both residential and commercial properties.

Don’t Get Too Excited

While the appealing price tag of land might make you eager to build, proceed with caution.

These figures represent averages, which means that suitable plots near employment hubs or with desirable amenities may command significantly higher prices.

Additionally, while land may be economically priced, constructing a home involves numerous expenses, such as plumbing, electricity, and structural considerations.

Even if land is affordable, the costs of building a home and ensuring adequate amenities for a remote job could exceed your budget.

Average Cost Per Acre

Rank	State	Avg. Cost 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

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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