Land, the original American dream. Buying land is exciting and full of potential. Unlike a home, land is a blank canvas for your creative ideas- the possibilities are limitless!
Finding affordable land may be more attainable than you think. Don't let assumptions hold you back from owning your slice of land. Cheap land for sale is available across the country, you just need to know where to find it.
The Most Affordable Places to Buy Land in the United States
The cheapest land in the United States is located in New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, and Texas. However, it’s important to note that the price per acre of a piece of property is dependent on several factors, including location and the type of land. For example, according to NASS, cropland in the Pacific region averaged $8,800 per acre in 2023, while prices for cropland in the Mountain Region averaged only $2,410 per acre.
The cost of buying land varies across states, cities, and counties, making it misleading to generalize. In certain counties, land on the northern side of the state can be twice as cheap per acre compared to the southern side, and vice versa. Always remember that land that can generate income will likely be more expensive than land that can’t. As a general rule, the cheapest land in the United States tends to be desert land without utilities. Many of these areas have limited uses given their limited infrastructure, at least for the time being. Other examples of land that tends to be more affordable includes properties with no legal access, extremely remote locations, off-the-grid tracts with dense vegetation that is of little value, and certain non-buildable lots.
1) New Mexico
New Mexico's diverse geography encompasses mountains, valleys, and grasslands, but a significant portion of the state is desert land. Desert land is highly affordable due to its remote nature. Land for sale is available at very low prices, such as in Luna County, where it can be found for under $200 per acre. Farmland is also very affordable in New Mexico, averaging $610 per acre in 2023, according to NASS.
2) Arizona
Arizona offers affordable land options, particularly in its arid desert regions. While some parts of the state boast forests, canyons, and even ski resorts, southern and western Arizona are characterized by scorching summers, mild winters, and thriving cactus populations.
Although you can find cheap land for sale in Arizona throughout the state, you’ll want to start by looking west and south. Densely populated areas such as Phoenix, Tuscon, and Flagstaff generally have higher land prices compared to the rest of the state. In Apache and Cochise County, land for sale can be found for $200 to $1,000 per acre.
3) Michigan
Michigan offers affordable land due to its unique geography. With two large peninsulas, the state has remote and sparsely populated areas, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. This region presents opportunities for hunting land, cabins, recreational properties, and even land with water features. Surrounded by Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, the peninsula's off-the-grid nature contributes to the availability of affordable land.
4) Colorado
Colorado offers a mix of expensive real estate in popular areas like Aspen and Steamboat Springs, along with more affordable options throughout the state. From desert land to inhospitable mountain land, Colorado provides diverse opportunities for land ownership. While cheap land can be found, it is more prevalent in the extremes, where land use is limited.
In Colorado, the cheapest land can typically be found in the South region. These areas are often more remote and less populated, making them less expensive. For instance, Costilla County in the San Luis Valley, is known for its affordable land prices with vast tracts of desert and mountain land. Similarly, Saguache County offers cheap land options ranging as low as $4,000 per acre, particularly in its less developed regions.
5) Texas
Texas is often associated with desert land, but in reality, less than 10% of the state is considered desert. It boasts diverse landscapes including coastline, forests, and grasslands. However, due to its sheer size, Texas still encompasses over 17 million desert acres. This presents an opportunity to purchase affordable land in the state.
Looking for affordable land in Texas?
The western portion of the state bordering New Mexico and Mexico, is mostly desert and offers lower prices. For example, in western areas like Sierra Blanca in Hudspeth County, you can find land for as low as $700 per acre in certain cases. Towards the Mexican border in the South around cities such as Dryden, you can find land prices for as low as $650 per acre.
6) Oregon
Oregon, a geographically diverse state in the United States, offers a wide range of landscapes. From lush forests and volcanoes to clear lakes, mountains, and the Pacific coastline, it has it all. In addition, Oregon also features desert and shrubland areas, making it a great destination for those seeking affordable land for sale. Start your search in the western and southern parts of the state for the best options. Around cities such as Adel and Plush, you can find land for sale in the $250-$750 per acre range.
7) Wyoming
Like some other states we've mentioned, Wyoming has a diverse geography. It consists of rugged terrain and challenging landscapes. As a result, there are opportunities to find affordable land for sale in various parts of the state, particularly in the extremes. For example, in the Southwestern region near the town of Wamsutter, you can find land for as low as $375 per acre. Similarly, in Southern Wyoming near Rawlins, you can find land prices in the same range.
How to Find Affordable Land for Sale
There are many places to purchase affordable land in America. Before buying any property, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and address key questions. Land buyers must especially consider their intended use case for the land and whether or not properties of interest check those boxes before making any decisions. Don't let the low price deceive you - ensure it's a sound investment and suitable for your needs.
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