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. This guide explores the cheapest states to buy land in the United States.
Key Takeaways:
The cheapest land in the United States is found in New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, and Texas. In general, desert and arid regions offer the most affordable land in the U.S.
The cheapest farmland in the U.S. can be found in New Mexico and Wyoming.
The value of land is dependent on many factors including proximity to urban areas, proximity to infrastructure, location, accessibility, and more.
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 the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), cropland in the Corn Belt averaged $79,30 per acre in 2024, while prices for cropland in the Northern Plains averaged only $3,050 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 in New Mexico is available at very low prices, such as in Luna County, where it can be found for under $200 per acre.
New Mexico also has the cheapest farmland in the U.S. According to the USDA, farmland in New Mexico averaged just $700 per acre in 2024. New Mexico leads the nation in pecan and chile production, earning its reputation as an agricultural powerhouse. The state’s farmland is also dedicated to producing beef, milk, hay, corn, wheat, potatoes, and more, showcasing its diverse and thriving agricultural industry.
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 throughout Arizona, you’ll find the cheapest land in the western and southern regions of the state. Densely populated areas such as Phoenix, Tuscon, and Flagstaff generally have higher land prices compared to the rest of Arizona. In Apache and Cochise Counties, land for sale can be found for $200 to $1,000 per acre.
3) Michigan
Michigan offers affordable land thanks to its unique geography and abundance of natural resources. The state is divided into two large peninsulas, the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, each with its own distinct characteristics. The Upper Peninsula, in particular, is known for its remote and sparsely populated areas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. This region presents opportunities for hunting land, rustic cabins, recreational properties, and even land with water features such as lakes, streams, and rivers. Surrounded by three of the Great Lakes—Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron—the Upper Peninsula’s off-the-grid nature and scenic beauty contribute to the availability of affordable land. Whether you're looking to build a retreat, invest in property, or simply escape city life, Michigan's diverse landscape offers options to fit a variety of needs and budgets.
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 Southern 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. The state boasts a diverse array of landscapes, including vibrant coastlines, dense forests, rolling grasslands, and rugged hills. However, given Texas's enormous size—spanning over 268,000 square miles—it still contains over 17 million acres of desert land. This vast expanse of arid terrain offers unique opportunities for those looking to purchase affordable land in the Lone Star State.
The western portion of Texas, bordering New Mexico and Mexico, is predominantly desert and is known for offering lower land prices compared to other parts of the state. For instance, in western areas like Sierra Blanca, located in Hudspeth County, land can be found for as little as $700 per acre in some cases. This region is perfect for those seeking solitude, wide open spaces, and investment opportunities. Moving south toward the Mexican border near towns like Dryden, you can discover similarly affordable land, sometimes priced as low as $650 per acre. These areas, with their remote beauty and expansive horizons, can serve as opportunities for ranching, recreational use, or simply owning a piece of Texas history.
6) Oregon
Oregon, a geographically diverse state in the United States, is known for its stunning variety of landscapes that offer something for everyone. From the lush forests of the Cascade Range and majestic volcanoes to pristine clear lakes, rugged mountains, and the breathtaking Pacific coastline, Oregon is a paradise for nature lovers. But its beauty doesn’t stop there—Oregon also boasts desert regions, shrublands, and expansive plains, creating a truly unique mix of environments. For those seeking affordable land for sale, Oregon is an excellent destination with plenty of options to explore.
The western and southern parts of Oregon are ideal starting points for finding the most affordable land, particularly around small, rural cities such as Adel and Plush. In these areas, parcels of land are available at surprisingly low prices, often in the range of $250-$750 per acre, making it an attractive choice for buyers looking to invest, build, or simply enjoy wide-open spaces. Whether you're drawn by the state's natural beauty or its affordability, Oregon offers endless possibilities.
7) Wyoming
Like some other states we've mentioned, Wyoming boasts a diverse geography that includes rugged terrain, sprawling plains, and challenging landscapes. These varied features not only add to the state's natural beauty but also create opportunities to find affordable land for sale in different parts of the state, especially in less populated or remote areas. For example, in the Southwestern region near the small town of Wamsutter, land is available for as low as $375 per acre, making it an attractive option for those looking for inexpensive property. Similarly, in Southern Wyoming, near the city of Rawlins, you can find land priced within the same range. These areas are known for their wide-open spaces and scenic views, offering potential buyers a chance to invest in land that embodies the rugged charm of the American West. Whether you're looking to build, invest, or simply own a piece of remote land, Wyoming has plenty of options to explore.
Farmland in Wyoming is surprisingly affordable, offering excellent opportunities for farmers and ranchers alike. The state categorizes agricultural land into three primary types: irrigated cropland, dry cropland, and range land. Large cattle ranches are a common sight, with the value of agricultural land remaining low at an average of $975 per acre. Wyoming’s most prevalent grain crops include hay, wheat, oats, and barley. Due to the low precipitation in the state’s western regions, the majority of cropland relies on irrigation, making water management a key aspect of farming in this area.
How to Find Affordable Land for Sale
There are many places to purchase affordable land in America. Here is another guide that goes into a detailed top 10 list of best states to buy land in the United States including Florida, Tennessee, Missouri and Georgia. Before buying any property regardless of its location, 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.
Check out LandGate's free online marketplace to explore thousands of unique properties listed for sale. You can filter by location, price, property type, and more:
Interested in purchasing cheap land in the U.S.? Check out LandApp to help you conduct due diligence on properties you're interested in purchasing. For just $10 per month, LandApp provides due diligence tools and nationwide property data for over 150 million parcels:
