Finding the cheapest place to buy land in America is every smart investor’s dream. Land is one of the few assets that doesn’t depreciate, and owning even a few acres can open doors for farming, hunting, or long-term investment. But these prices vary widely across states. While some regions sell for under $1,500 per acre, others cost 20 times more.
This guide explores the state with the cheapest land, compares per-acre costs, and highlights top rural locations for buying land. Whether you want to buy hunting land, farmland, or just a future home site, you’ll find the best options here.
[Internal link example: Also read: Best State to Buy Hunting Land in the U.S.]
Why Land Prices Vary Across the U.S.
Not every acre is priced the same. The cheapest states for land share certain features: low population, remote areas, and fewer buyers. On the other hand, land near cities or coastal areas comes with a premium.
Factors That Affect Land Prices
- Location and Demand
Land near metro areas or booming towns sells at higher prices. Remote desert or mountain regions are usually cheaper. - Zoning and Land Use
Agricultural and recreational properties cost less than residential or commercial land. For example, the cheapest hunting land in the U.S. is often zoned for recreation. - Utilities and Access
Acres without road access, water, or power are cheaper. Buyers seeking the cheapest land per acre in the U.S. should be ready to handle extra development costs. - Climate and Soil Fertility
Fertile states like Mississippi and Arkansas have higher costs because the land is ready for farming. Arid states like Arizona or Nevada sell for less.
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Cheap land is usually remote, without utilities, and best for farming, hunting, or long-term investment. Buyers seeking the cheapest place to buy land in the U.S. should always balance price with future usability.
12 Cheapest States to Buy Land in America
Below are the cheap states to buy land in 2025. These states combine affordability with opportunities for farming, hunting, or investment.
1. Arizona
Arizona consistently ranks among the cheapest states to buy land in. Rural 
desert counties sell land for as little as $1,000 per acre. While these areas lack utilities, they’re attractive for recreational use or long-term speculation.
📌Available Cheapest land for sale in Arizona.
Investors consider Arizona one of the best places to buy land for investment because of growth near Phoenix and Tucson. If you’re after privacy and affordability, this state delivers.
2. New Mexico
New Mexico offers some of the cheapest land in America per acre. Vast ranch lands sell for under $2,000 per acre in remote regions. This makes it popular among buyers looking for the cheapest hunting land in the U.S.
The state is rich in open space, perfect for recreation or ranching. While it lacks the fertile soil of the Midwest, New Mexico remains a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
3. Mississippi
Mississippi stands out for affordable farmland. While some plots average $10,000–$12,000 per acre, rural areas still provide bargains. Buyers seeking cheap states to buy land for farming often start here.
It also appeals to homesteaders because of the mild weather and fertile soil. For those wondering which state has the cheapest land for sale with agricultural value, Mississippi is a solid contender.
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Arizona and New Mexico offer the lowest prices per acre, while Mississippi provides affordable farmland with strong agricultural value.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas is often overlooked, but it’s one of the cheap states to buy land for both
farming and retirement. Rural counties have listings starting around $2,500 per acre, which makes it much cheaper than coastal or northern states.
📌Available Cheapest land for sale in Arizona.
The state’s fertile soil supports crops, livestock, and small-scale homesteads. Buyers searching for the best place to buy land for investment often choose Arkansas because the land is versatile. Whether you want to farm, build a home, or just hold it as an asset, Arkansas land is affordable and practical.
5. Colorado
Colorado may sound expensive because of its booming cities and ski resorts, but rural areas still offer bargains. In the eastern plains, land often sells for $2,000–$4,000 per acre.
📌Available Cheapest land for sale in Colorado.
This makes Colorado attractive for people looking for the best state to buy hunting land. The state’s forests and mountains are rich in wildlife, offering prime opportunities for recreation. Investors buy here not just for low cost, but also for the lifestyle that comes with it.
6. Missouri
Missouri is one of the cheapest states for land in the Midwest. Rural farmland sells between $3,000–$5,000 per acre, making it more affordable than nearby Illinois or Iowa.
This state is especially popular for agriculture and homesteading. Many buyers consider Missouri the best state to buy land for investment because of its central location and growing demand for farmland. It balances affordability with long-term potential.
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Colorado is a favorite for hunting land, Missouri offers fertile farmland, and Arkansas provides versatile acreage at affordable prices.
7. Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula hides some of the cheapest hunting land in the U.S. Plots of forest land sell for as little as $2,000–$2,500 per acre. Outdoor buyers love it for fishing, hiking, and cabins.
Unlike desert states, Michigan’s wooded land has year-round appeal. For those asking where’s the cheapest place to buy land with natural beauty, Michigan is often the answer. It provides low cost plus recreational opportunities.
8. Oregon
Oregon’s coastal areas are pricey, but rural inland regions still have affordable deals. In counties like Klamath, land sells for around $2,500–$3,000 per acre.
Buyers who want scenic landscapes without breaking the bank consider Oregon a strong option. It’s not always the cheapest land per acre in the U.S., but compared to California or Washington, it offers far better value. Many buyers hold Oregon land for recreation, farming, or long-term investment.
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Michigan appeals to buyers wanting cheap forest retreats, while Oregon provides scenic acreage at lower prices than its West Coast neighbors.
9. Alabama
Alabama is among the cheap states to buy land with a mild climate and fertile soil. Rural farmland often sells for $3,000–$4,000 per acre. This makes it a practical option for agriculture and timber investments.
For investors searching the best state to buy land for investment, Alabama provides a strong balance. It offers affordable entry prices, potential for farming, and long-term value because of steady demand for southern farmland.
10. Nevada
Beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada hides some of the cheapest land per acre in the U.S. Wide desert plains sell for as low as $1,000–$1,500 per acre.
While desert land isn’t ideal for farming, it’s attractive for buyers wanting privacy, recreational property, or off-grid living. Nevada often shows up when people ask where is land the cheapest in the U.S.
11. West Virginia
West Virginia offers affordable mountain and forest land. Prices start around $1,500–$2,000 per acre in rural counties.
This makes it one of the top rural locations for buying land if you want woodland retreats. It’s especially popular among hunters looking for the cheapest hunting land in the U.S. with year-round recreation.
12. Kansas
Kansas is known for wide-open farmland. It’s also one of the cheapest states for land in the Midwest. Buyers can often find property for $2,000–$3,000 per acre.
The state is ideal for farming and agricultural investment. For people asking what state is the cheapest to buy land for farming, Kansas is almost always part of the conversation.
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Nevada and West Virginia stand out for recreational land, while Alabama and Kansas remain strong choices for farming and investment.
State-by-State Comparison (Cost Per Acre)
To make things simple, here’s a breakdown of average land costs across the cheapest places to buy land in America.
| State | Average Cost Per Acre | Best For |
| Arizona | $1,000 – $1,500 | Rural desert investment, off-grid living |
| New Mexico | $1,000 – $2,000 | Ranching, recreation |
| Mississippi | $10,000 – $12,000 | Farming, agriculture |
| Arkansas | $2,500 – $3,000 | Farming, retirement land |
| Colorado | $2,000 – $4,000 | Hunting, recreation |
| Missouri | $3,000 – $5,000 | Farmland, homesteading |
| Michigan | $2,000 – $2,500 | Hunting, forest retreats |
| Oregon | $2,500 – $3,000 | Scenic rural housing, recreation |
| Alabama | $3,000 – $4,000 | Farming, timberland |
| Nevada | $1,000 – $1,500 | Recreational, private use |
| West Virginia | $1,500 – $2,000 | Hunting, woodland |
| Kansas | $2,000 – $3,000 | Farming, agriculture |
Analysis of the Table
The cheapest land per acre in the U.S. is found in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, where prices often dip below $2,000. These states appeal to buyers who want budget-friendly property for off-grid or recreational use.
On the other hand, Mississippi’s farmland is costlier but productive, making it a good long-term investment. States like Missouri and Kansas balance affordability with high agricultural potential.
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If you’re seeking the cheapest land in America per acre, look at Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. For farming and investment, Missouri, Kansas, and Mississippi offer more value despite higher entry costs.
The Cheapest vs Most Expensive States for Land
Every buyer asks the same question: what is the cheapest state to buy land? Based on recent data, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico take the top spots. Prices there can drop below $1,500 per acre in rural regions.
On the other end, the most expensive states for land include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. In these places, an acre can cost over $300,000, driven by population density and urban demand.
For budget buyers, the cheapest place to buy land in the U.S. is still the rural desert Southwest. For investors with deeper pockets, urban states promise quick appreciation but require massive initial capital.
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Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico remain the cheapest, while California and New Jersey are the most expensive states for land.
Average Land Prices in the U.S.
The average cost of land in America varies widely. Nationally, the average is around $12,000 per acre. But this number is misleading because it mixes both affordable rural land and expensive urban land.
- Rural Midwest states like Kansas and Missouri average $2,000–$5,000 per acre.
- Southern states such as Alabama and Mississippi average $3,000–$12,000 per acre, depending on soil quality.
- Western desert states like Arizona and Nevada stay under $2,000 per acre.
- Coastal states like California or New York can reach $100,000–$300,000 per acre.
This wide gap is why research matters. Buyers looking for the cheapest states for land should focus on the rural Midwest and Southwest markets.
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National average land price = $12,000 per acre. But in cheap states to buy land, like Arizona or Kansas, you’ll pay a fraction of that.
Best Places to Buy Land for Investment
Not all cheap land is good land. The right property depends on your goals—whether that’s hunting, farming, or long-term speculation.
Rural Investment Land
The best place to buy land for investment is often a rural area with growth potential. Arizona and Arkansas are examples where buyers pay little now but expect future appreciation as nearby towns expand.
Hunting Land Opportunities
For hunters, the best states to buy hunting land are Michigan or West Virginia. Both states offer the cheapest hunting land in the U.S. with rich forests and plenty of wildlife. Plots sell for as low as $2,000 per acre, making them affordable for recreational buyers.
Farmland for Agriculture
Farmers or agricultural investors should look at Kansas, Missouri, and Mississippi. While Mississippi land costs more, it delivers fertile soil. Kansas and Missouri, meanwhile, are cheap states to buy land for crops and livestock.
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For long-term growth, buy rural Arizona. For hunting, choose Michigan or West Virginia. For agriculture, Kansas and Mississippi are top picks.
Conclusion
The cheapest place to buy land in America depends on your goals. If you want raw affordability, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico top the list with land under $2,000 per acre. For farming and agriculture, Kansas, Missouri, and Mississippi provide fertile soil at affordable rates. For hunting or recreation, Michigan and West Virginia deliver the best value.
Land remains one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest hunting land in the U.S., cheap farmland, or just a future retirement spot, these states give you options. Start with a small acreage, do your research, and secure your place in the American landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What state has the cheapest land for sale?
Currently, Arizona and New Mexico have the cheapest land in America per acre. Prices often fall below $1,500 per acre in rural desert counties.
Where’s the cheapest place to buy land in the U.S.?
The cheapest place to buy land in the U.S. is typically rural desert regions of Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. These areas lack utilities but provide affordable entry points for buyers.
What state is the cheapest to buy land in?
The state with the cheapest land overall is Arizona, followed closely by Nevada. Both states sell land for under $2,000 per acre.
Where to buy the cheapest land?
To buy a Cheapest land in any part of USA, Visit Landapaloozas.Â
Where in the U.S. is land the cheapest?
Rural areas in the Southwest, particularly Arizona and New Mexico, consistently rank as the cheapest place to buy land in America.
What is the cheapest land per acre in the U.S.?
Desert plots in Arizona and Nevada sell for as low as $1,000–$1,500 per acre, making them the cheapest land per acre in the U.S.
What state has the cheapest land per acre?
Arizona and Nevada dominate this category, with prices often half of the national average.
Where is the cheapest place to buy land in America?
The cheapest place to buy land in America is rural Arizona, where land remains under $1,500 per acre.
What states have no property tax?
While every U.S. state has some property tax, states like Hawaii, Alabama, and Louisiana have the lowest rates. This matters for long-term investors, even if the land is cheap.
What are the best states to buy cheap farmland?
Mississippi, Kansas, and Missouri are top options for buyers seeking farmland. These are considered among the best states to buy land for investment in agriculture.
What’s the cheapest state to buy hunting land?
Michigan and West Virginia are often called the best states to buy hunting land because they combine low prices with excellent wildlife access.
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