Where to Find the Cheapest Land in the US

If you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, planning your next real estate investment, or building a custom home on your own plot of land, finding affordable land is likely at the top of your priority list. But where exactly can you find the cheapest land in the U.S.? What factors influence its price? To save you time (and hassle), we’ve compiled a detailed guide that answers these questions and highlights regions where your dollar stretches the furthest.

Here’s the ultimate guide to uncovering some of the most affordable land across the country.

Factors That Affect Land Prices

Before we jump to the list of cheapest places to buy land in the U.S., let’s look at what affects land prices. Data uses the average price per acre to create an apples-to-apples comparison of land prices.

1. Location Matters 

Rural properties are considerably more affordable than those near cities or with easy access to modern amenities. For instance, the average cost for land in remote New Mexico is far less than a tract near larger cities like Albuquerque.

Moreover, acres of land near high-demand features like a waterfront or a popular ski resort will also cost more because of demand. Anywhere with high population density or increasing population growth is also subject to increasing property and land values.

2. Type of Land 

Different types of properties have different values based on their potential to generate revenue or appeal to a wider buyer set. Cropland or land suited for pastures typically costs less than land ready for residential or commercial development. A change in zoning can also impact the price of land.

3. Infrastructure and Accessibility 

Raw land–that is land without utilities, proper roads– is significantly cheaper. So are undeveloped land tracts with limited legal access and conservation easements. It costs money to bring these features in, and not everyone wants to deal with the hassle and expense. Desert land or off-the-grid tracts often top affordable land lists, but that’s because they have challenges like limited usability and higher development costs. 

4. Revenue Potential 

Land that generates income through farming, timber, or rental opportunities commands higher prices than land without productive use. For instance, fertile farmland is often more expensive than rocky terrain unsuitable for planting.

With these factors in mind, here’s where you can find the cheapest land for sale in the U.S. 

The Cheapest Land in the U.S.

The national average prices per acre for the United States as of 2024 were:

• Farmland: $4,170
• Cropland: $5,570
• Pastureland: $1,830

But you can beat those average real estate prices by searching for land deals in the following low-cost areas.

Wyoming

• Cheapest Farm Real Estate: $975 per acre 
• Cheapest Cropland: $1,970 per acre 
• Cheapest Pastureland: $740 per acre

Wyoming tops the list because it had the cheapest land for sale across three USDA categories. It is a haven for buyers looking for wide open ranges at a reasonable price. Whether you’re drawn to its pastoral land for livestock or farmland for crops, this state offers incredible value, especially for aspiring homesteaders. 

The most affordable land options await you in Albany County and Natrona County.

New Mexico

• Cheapest Pasture Land: $600 per acre 
• Cheapest Cropland: $2,000 per acre 

New Mexico’s stunning desert landscapes come first to mind, but some sections have agricultural potential. That arid landscape offers some of the country’s most affordable pasture land. While options might be remote and disconnected from utilities, it’s ideal for those interested in off-the-grid living or starting a small ranch. 

Some of the most inexpensive land parcels are found in Luna County, Valencia County, and Sandoval County.

Montana

• Cheapest Cropland: $1,280 per acre 
• Cheapest Pasture Land: $890 per acre 

Montana is a dream destination for cheap, sprawling countryside. It’s perfect for agricultural pursuits with some of the lowest cropland and pasture land prices in the U.S. at under $1,300 per acre of land. Residential land can be affordable, too.

Texas

• Cheapest Cropland: $2,570 per acre 

The Lone Star State sells varied land options at affordable prices. Though agricultural land here costs slightly more than in states like Montana or Wyoming, its size and agricultural economy make it a popular destination for budget-conscious investors. Plus, Texas offers more “middle-of-nowhere” spots where solitude (and affordability) reign supreme.  However, while Texas has one of the cheapest cropland per acre, it doesn’t fare as well for ranch land or residential land prices.

The cheapest lands were in West Texas, around the Big Bend region of the state, such as Culberson County, Hudspeth County, and El Paso County.

Colorado 

• Cheapest Farm Real Estate: $2,200 per acre 

Colorado’s affordability often surprises people, given that Denver is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the US. But when you step away from the Denver metro area, you enter a countryside of farms, ranches, and undeveloped vistas. Here, farm real estate offers a fair deal for those willing to explore the rugged terrain farther from the cities. 

Some of its cheapest counties are Pueblo County, Costilla County, and Saguache County.

Honorable Mentions 

For those looking for the most affordable land prices, don’t overlook farmland in Utah ($700 per acre) or Nevada ($1,150 per acre). Though arid and remote, the median prices in these states represent some of the most budget-friendly options for acquiring land in the U.S.

Trends in Land Prices

Like most United States real estate assets, agricultural land prices have steadily increased. For example:

• The average U.S. farm real estate value in 2024 reached $4,170 per acre, up $200 from 2023. 
• Some areas saw sharper increases, such as Florida (up $980 per acre) and Alabama (up $340 per acre).

Utah, Wyoming, and Montana continue to offer attractive farmland prices below $1,200 per acre, making them ideal regions for buying cheap land. But for land investment opportunities, buying in these fast-rising places could be a smart option as they signal market demand.

Cropland vs. Pasture Land 

• Cropland in regions like Montana ($1,280 per acre) or Oklahoma ($2,310 per acre) is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to regions like the Pacific Northwest, where cropland’s cost per acre averages $8,800.
• Pasture land is significantly cheaper, with New Mexico and Wyoming leading the list at $600–$740 per acre. 

Understanding the type of land you need for your goals—whether it’s growing crops, raising animals, or a small slice to build your custom home—will help narrow down the best regions to search for affordable land options. 

Points to Consider Before Buying

When buying affordable land, there are a few pitfalls to avoid and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Legal Access: Verify the property has legal road access; otherwise, it could limit its usability. 
2. Utilities & Infrastructure: Many affordable plots lack essential services like water, electricity, and sewage. Understand the costs of development before purchasing. 
3. Zoning Laws: Check local zoning regulations to ensure the parcel of land can be used for your intended purpose, whether that’s farming, building, or recreation. 
4. Remote Location Challenges: Remote land often requires creative solutions for accessibility, internet, and daily living needs. Some of these states have experienced water scarcity issues that may impact your use of the land. You also need occasional access to city amenities, like health care, food supplies, and clothing.

Doing your due diligence before purchasing ensures you’re not left with a parcel of land that’s more of a headache than a real estate investment. 

Final Thoughts on Finding Cheap Land 

There’s a slice of land waiting for you across the U.S., from the desert tracts of New Mexico to the pastures of Montana. Opportunities abound for those ready to explore more rural settings. The key is to align the type of land with your goals, research thoroughly, and weigh the costs of development and infrastructure against the land price. 

If you’re ready to plunge into land ownership, it’s time to start exploring active property listings! Happy land-hunting!