Texas Land Pricing Guide 2023 (2024)

If you’re wondering if buying land in Texas is a good investment these days… you’re not alone. After a slight slowdown from 2021 peaks, rural land sales in Texas are still going strong.

But before you jump on the Texas real estate trend, it’s important to understand your potential expenses: How much is an acre of land in Texas? Is investing in Texas real estate right for you?

The answer could depend on geography, market fluctuations, and more.

How much is an acre of land in Texas?

The average price per acre of rural land in Texas was more than $4,000 per acre in 2022, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. That average climbed each quarter:

  • $4,116/acre average in Q1 of 2022
  • $4,297/acre average in Q2
  • $4,426/acre average in Q3

How much you’ll pay will also depend on what region you target. There are seven different market regions throughout Texas when it comes to rural land: Panhandle and South Plains, Far West Texas, West Texas, Northeast Texas, Gulf-Coast – Brazos Bottom, South Texas, and Austin – Waco – Hill Country.

Throughout those regions, the range in prices per acre is just about as wide as Texas itself.

If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area searching for land nearby, for example, you might pay more than other regions in Texas. Land in Northeast Texas goes for roughly $6,742 per acre, according to the Texas chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers. Most counties within this region have seen price increases, and brokers have said properties spend only days on the market.

In Southern Texas, including the southern portion of the Edwards Plateau, pieces of the Coastal Plains and Coastal Bend, South Texas Brush Country, and the Rio Grande Valley, demand for ranches in particular has remained strong. In 2021, the median price in this region was about $4,500 per acre.

In other parts of Texas, you could also:

  • Find land in the Panhandle and South Plains area for roughly $1,300 per acre
  • Pay upwards of $5,000 per acre in Austin – Waco – Hill Country, where sales volume grew a whopping 102% last year
  • Shell out more than $8,000 per acre of land in the Gulf Coast – Brazos Bottom region

Other hot markets for land in Texas include West Texas, where sales jumped by 53.28% from 2020 to 2021.

So what is driving all these boosts in Texas land prices? It’s a mix of both historical trends and ongoing effects from the pandemic.

Why is farmland increasing in value in Texas?

The rise in farmland value in Texas has happened because of several factors:

  • Increased demand for land. While the very beginning of the pandemic yielded slower land sales in Texas, that all changed as COVID-19 dragged on. As many urban areas continued gathering restrictions and more companies instituted remote work policies, more people migrated to rural areas.
  • Decreasing availability of land. Since farmland is not a renewable resource, the value of what exists remains high, even as other investments may fluctuate.
  • More competition from a bigger population: Texas added nearly 4 million new residents from 2010 to 2020, and ranked first in the U.S. in numeric population growth. They’ve all got to live somewhere, so competition is hot for the available land throughout the state.

Things have slowed down a little since the “hyperactivity” in 2021. That year saw a record for land sales in Texas, with 846,347 acres sold (a 53% jump from 2020). Still, even as the market has evened out, land value is still high.

How much does land cost in Texas?

At least compared to some other states, land in Texas comes with a moderate price tag. Average prices can top more than $8,000/acre in states like California, Iowa, and Illinois. This year has also seen record land prices in places like Iowa, where sales have sometimes topped $25,000 per acre.

The amount you’ll pay for an acre of land in Texas could also partially depend on what kind of acre it is. According to the USDA, average value of Texas cropland in 2022 was higher than average value of Texas pastureland (by about $400/acre), for example.

Where is the cheapest land in Texas?

You’re likely to find the cheapest Texas acres in the Panhandle and South Plains region, or in Far West Texas.

Although price per acre has still been increasing in the Panhandle and South Plains, you could still find land there for an average of $1,511 per acre in 2022.

Further west, the average price per acre in Far West Texas by the third quarter of 2022 was even lower, at $1,082.

Is buying land in Texas a good investment?

No investment is a sure thing. But no one is making new land in Texas anytime soon — so the land already here is incredibly valuable.

Average cropland value in Texas has been on a steady upward trajectory — and has nearly doubled since 2009. That year, average cropland value was $2,640/acre. That total value has climbed to an average of $5,050/acre in 2022, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center.

Meanwhile, the annual compound 5-year growth rate of farmland in Texas has been between 9 and 11% throughout 2022.

Buying land in Texas could be a good investment, simply because land is an appreciating asset. However, it’s not a get-rich-quick option. The value of land often stems from being able to hold onto it over time.

But in the shorter term, you can also use your land for other money-making opportunities:

  • Leasing your land: The rural landscape in Texas is filled with hills, plains, canyons, lakes, and more — making it the perfect place for hunting, fishing, camping, or other outdoor activities like ATVs. You can participate in recreational activities on your own land, or charge a fee for others to do the same.
  • Timber: With so many wooded regions throughout the state, Texas offers many chances to sell timber from your land.
  • Farm it: Prices for many crops and commodities have reached record highs, and demand for agricultural products continues to rise worldwide.

Will farmland prices continue to rise in 2023?

With rural land values increasing so much over the past couple years, it’s easy to wonder if we’re living in an historical boom for Texas farmland.

But those higher farmland prices are actually in line with historical trends that take into account farmland returns and interest rate levels.

Keep an eye on the Fed’s interest rates, which have continued to rise throughout the end of 2022. Sometimes higher interest rates can affect the value of land. But overall, farmland in Texas remains a valuable investment that carries a lower risk than many other investment choices.

Getting started with investing in Texas real estate

Purchasing acres of rural land in Texas can seem intimidating if you’re not familiar with the process. If you’re a first-time land buyer, here’s everything you need to know to get started. If you’re purchasing land in Texas to eventually build a home on, we have resources there too.

If you’re ready to purchase your land, Texas Farm Credit’s mortgage division can finance anywhere from 5 to 100 acres. Contact us for more information.

Texas Land Pricing Guide 2023 (2024)

FAQs

How much is an acre in Texas 2023? ›

$4,297/acre average in Q2. $4,426/acre average in Q3.

Are land prices going down in Texas? ›

“Feverish 2021 demand for land, coupled with a dearth of listings, pushed prices up a remarkable 29 percent to $3,954 per acre statewide,” said Gilliland. “Total dollar volume reached a record $3.4 billion, up 97.6 percent over 2020.” In 2021, a record 846,347 acres changed hands, an increase of 53 percent.

How much should an acre of land cost in Texas? ›

Looking specifically at Texas: Farm real estate average value: $2,650/acre, an 11.3% increase from 2021. Cropland average value: $2,420/acre.

Why is Texas land so expensive? ›

“In the aftermath of the COVID-induced economic lockdown, 2021 Texas rural land markets have exploded in a burst of activity,” Gilliland said in a news release. The vigorous demand sent the statewide price 9.5 percent higher than 2020 prices to a record high at $3,251 per acre, he said.

Is land a good investment in 2023? ›

Land investment may not be as common as residential real estate, rental properties, or REITs, but it's looking like a solid choice in 2023, and beyond. Investments in land have steadily increased over the last decade. Investors may purchase land for agricultural purposes or residential and commercial real estate.

What is the price prediction for acre? ›

The average price target is $10.50 with a high forecast of $13.00 and a low forecast of $8.00. The average price target represents a 26.05% change from the last price of $8.33.

Will home prices drop in 2023 Texas? ›

While some areas may experience an increase in housing prices, others may experience a decline. In Dallas, TX, housing prices are expected to decrease by 0.1% as of April 2023, followed by a further decline of 0.3% in June 2023, but are projected to increase by 0.7% by March 2024.

Is it worth buying land in Texas? ›

Overall, buying land in Texas as an investment can be a safe and practical choice for new and seasoned investors. It is an excellent way to get into real estate investment, as the costs to get started are very low compared to other types of investments.

Will land prices go down in a recession? ›

Land prices also tend to drop during a recession period, but they almost always rise immediately after the downturn is over, which is why it might be a good time to consider buying land to build a home for the future or for investment purposes.

What is the 10 acre rule in Texas? ›

In 1993 the Texas Legislature passed a law seen in Texas Local Government Code, Section 235.042. The law allows for individual counties to prohibit hunting with firearms (or bows) on lots or tracts of land that are 10 acres or smaller and located in the unincorporated area of the county in a subdivision.

Where is the cheapest land in Texas? ›

'Cheapest' places to buy land in US (five acres)

Among the least expensive areas to buy five acres of land, Hudspeth County, Texas tops the report category with the lowest price for five acres of land listed at $1,200.

Is buying an acre of land a good investment? ›

Is it a good investment? Yes. Land is a tangible investment that will continue to go up in value over time. So, if a buyer purchases land today for $250,000, then in a few years, its value can increase to $400,000.

Where is the best land in Texas? ›

Here are some of the best places to buy land in the Lone-Star State:
  • Frisco. Frisco, one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities, is only 30 minutes from Dallas. ...
  • New Braunfels. New Braunfels is between San Antonio and Austin. ...
  • McKinney. ...
  • Cedar Park. ...
  • Conroe. ...
  • Round Rock. ...
  • Texas Real Estate Honorable Mentions. ...
  • Austin.
Jun 15, 2022

What state has the cheapest land per acre? ›

So for both 1 acre and 5 acre plots, the cheapest states to buy land in 2023 are New Mexico, Arizona, Mississippi, followed by Colorado and California. Some great news for you here is that at Compass Land USA, we do a lot of work in Colorado, and Arizona.

Who owns most land in Texas? ›

1. Jay Kleberg and The King Heirs. King Ranch, spans an astounding 900,000 acres across a vast expanse of South Texas.

Why buying real estate in 2023 could be a good idea? ›

2023 is a balanced year for housing supply and demand. This is ideal for retail purchasers and rental property investors. No longer a “seller's” market. Rising interest rates raise the monthly mortgage payment, which reduces homebuyers and lowers property values.

Is it smart to buy land and build later? ›

Perhaps there's a perfect property that comes up for sale and you don't want to lose it, so buying the land now and building later makes sense. From a financial perspective, it may be much more feasible to split up the investments and have time to rebuild your savings before being ready to build.

How quickly does land appreciate? ›

Steady demand

But over the past two years, demand for all types of land has been accelerating. From 2020 to 2021, farmland average prices grew 6%.

What is the stock price forecast for acreage holdings in 2025? ›

If you are looking for stocks with good return, Acreage Holdings Inc can be a profitable investment option. Acreage Holdings Inc quote is equal to 2.770 USD at 2023-06-08. Based on our forecasts, a long-term increase is expected, the "ACRGF" stock price prognosis for 2025-09-22 is 15.888 USD.

What is the price prediction for Wanaka Farm? ›

Wanaka Farm's Long Term Price Prediction
YearsAvg PriceHighest Price
2028$1.96$2.35
2029$2.63$3.15
2030$3.52$4.22
2031$4.72$5.66
7 more rows

Will 2023 be a good time to buy a house? ›

Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.

Is it a buyers or sellers market in Texas? ›

The state is still in seller's market territory: Demand remains high, and prices are still up year-over-year, despite the decline in the last several months.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2024? ›

Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors expect mortgage rates to drop through the first quarter of 2024, by half a percentage point to about nine-tenths of a percentage point. Figures are the predicted quarterly average rates for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

What is the average closing cost on land in Texas? ›

A 2022 report from CoreLogic's ClosingCorp found that the national average for mortgage closing costs on a single-family home, excluding transfer taxes, was $3,860. By contrast, Texans pay an average of $4,548, which amounts to about 1.5 percent of the average Texas home's sale price.

Do you have to pay taxes on land you own in Texas? ›

All property is taxable unless federal or state law exempts it from the tax. These exemptions may exclude all or part of your property's value from taxation. Property owners have a right to reasonable notice of increases in their appraised property value.

What is the best type of land to buy? ›

#1. Farm Land: With the agricultural market increasing, investing in farmland has emerged as a profitable opportunity. Per statistics, farms have an average of 11.5% yearly return. Plus, having your money locked in farmland investment will settle out your risks and will generate a passive income source.

Is it best to buy land during a recession? ›

Falling home prices could point to it being a good time to buy, except that inventory is still low and inventory tends to drop further during a recession. For the same reasons you may be hesitant to invest in real estate, homeowners may be hesitant to sell.

Is it better to have cash or property in a recession? ›

In addition, during recessions, people with access to cash are in a better position to take advantage of investment opportunities that can significantly improve their finances long-term.

Will real estate crash if there is a recession? ›

Will house prices go down in a recession? While the cost of financing a home typically increases when interest rates are on the rise, home prices themselves may actually decline. “Usually, during a recession or periods of higher interest rates, demand slows and values of homes come down,” says Miller.

How many acres is tax exemption in Texas? ›

How many acres do you need to be ag exempt in Texas? Ag exemption requirements vary by county, but generally speaking, you need at least 10 acres of qualified agricultural land to be eligible for the special valuation.

How many acres do you need to be exempt in Texas? ›

Ag exemption requirements vary by county, but generally you need at least 10 acres of qualified agricultural land to be eligible. Check with your county to verify.

Can you shoot deer on your own property in Texas? ›

Private Land

More than 95% of the land in Texas is privately owned or managed. You can hunt on the private land that you own or get permission from the landowner to hunt as a guest or pay the landowner to hunt on that land.

Where in Texas is most affordable to live? ›

  • Breckenridge. The cheapest place to live in Texas is Breckenridge. ...
  • Beaumont. The second cheapest city in Texas is Beaumont. ...
  • Wichita Falls. Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a cheap destination for nature lovers. ...
  • Harlingen. ...
  • Texarkana. ...
  • Abilene. ...
  • Amarillo. ...
  • Odessa.
Jan 10, 2023

Where is the lowest property tax in Texas? ›

Longview, about 130 miles east of Dallas, had the lowest property taxes in the state: Residents there paid an average of $2,084 a year on a typical home worth $201,036 in 2021, according to ATTOM's data. The effective tax rate was 1.04%.

Where is the cheapest place to buy land per acre? ›

10 of the Cheapest Places to Buy Land in the U.S.
  • Mohave County, Arizona. ...
  • Kanosh, Utah. ...
  • Valencia County, New Mexico. ...
  • Fort Hanco*ck, Texas. ...
  • Royalton, Kentucky. Photo: istockphoto.com. ...
  • Edwards, Missouri. Photo: istockphoto.com. ...
  • Sun Valley, Arizona. Photo: istockphoto.com. ...
  • Deming, New Mexico. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Feb 27, 2023

Is there a downside to buying land? ›

Land can be expensive to trade into and out of. There's real estate agent commissions, surveys, title insurance premiums, transaction taxes, etc. and all of these costs (those that you pay when you buy land and those that you pay when you sell it) reduce your profit.

How do you make land pay for itself? ›

How to Make Land Pay for Itself
  1. Option 1: Lease it to Hunters. ...
  2. ADVERTIsem*nT / ADVERTISE WITH US.
  3. Option 3: Lease it to Grazers. ...
  4. Option 5: Lease it to Fisherman. ...
  5. Option 6: Lease it to Solar Power Companies. ...
  6. Option 7: Lease it to Communications Businesses (Cell Towers and Billboards) ...
  7. Option 8: Rent it to Glampers.
Mar 9, 2023

Does owning land make you money? ›

Real estate is renowned for being a profitable investment since it provides both revenue (via rentals) and appreciation over time (selling your property for a profit). If you're wondering why it is important to own land, you must understand that real estate investments are an excellent way for expanding your wealth.

What city in Texas has free land? ›

Move to La Villa

If you're ready to build a home, some of that land could be yours. The city is offering free land to qualified new residents.

Where is the richest place to live in Texas? ›

Top 10 richest cities in Texas
  • Southlake.
  • Bellaire.
  • Alamo Heights.
  • Lucas.
  • Lakeway.
  • Coppell.
  • Heath.
  • Highland Village.
Mar 30, 2023

What county in Texas has the most land? ›

Brewster County, Texas has 6,183.8 square miles of land area and is the 1st largest county in Texas by total area.

How much is an acre of land cost in Texas? ›

How much is an acre of land in Texas? The average price per acre of rural land in Texas was more than $4,000 per acre in 2022, according to the Texas Real Estate Research Center. That average climbed each quarter: $4,116/acre average in Q1 of 2022.

Which state has no property tax in USA? ›

Unfortunately, there are no states without a property tax. Property taxes remain a significant contributor to overall state income. Tax funds are used to operate and maintain essential government services like law enforcement, infrastructure, education, transportation, parks, water and sewer service improvements.

What state takes up the most land? ›

Alaska has the largest land area in the United States followed by Texas and California. Alaska has more land area than Texas, California & Montana combined. Eight (8) states have over 100,000 square miles of land area. Alaska accounts for more than 17% of the land area in the United States.

What city in Texas has the most land? ›

List of the biggest cities in Texas by area. Houston is the biggest city in Texas with a total area of 599.59 square miles (1,552.93 km2).

What is the biggest plot of land in Texas for sale? ›

It's the largest property for sale in Texas and one of the biggest spreads offered in all of North America. Kentucky businessman Brad Kelly, who's one of the biggest landowners in the U.S., assembled the mammoth Trans Pecos tract and is offering it for sale for — get ready for it — $320 million.

Who owns largest ranch in Texas? ›

Waggoner Ranch
W. T. Waggoner Estate
CountryUnited States of America
Construction started1849
OwnerStan Kroenke
Grounds510,527 acres
2 more rows

Where is the cheapest land to buy in Texas? ›

'Cheapest' places to buy land in US (five acres)

Among the least expensive areas to buy five acres of land, Hudspeth County, Texas tops the report category with the lowest price for five acres of land listed at $1,200.

How many houses can you build on 1 acre in Texas? ›

What Can You Do With One Acre of Land? An acre is equivalent 43,560 square feet. To give you an idea of exactly how large one acre is, consider that many developers are able to squeeze about 15 houses per acre. It is just about the size of a football field.

Is buying land in Texas a good investment? ›

Overall, buying land in Texas as an investment can be a safe and practical choice for new and seasoned investors. It is an excellent way to get into real estate investment, as the costs to get started are very low compared to other types of investments.

How many acres of land can a person own in Texas? ›

Determining Urban or Rural Homesteads in Texas

Rural homesteads are limited to 200 acres for a family and 100 acres for a single adult, including improvements on the property. An urban homestead is limited to ten acres with improvements, which must be in adjacent lots.

What town has the cheapest property taxes in Texas? ›

Longview, about 130 miles east of Dallas, had the lowest property taxes in the state: Residents there paid an average of $2,084 a year on a typical home worth $201,036 in 2021, according to ATTOM's data.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Texas? ›

  • Breckenridge. The cheapest place to live in Texas is Breckenridge. ...
  • Beaumont. The second cheapest city in Texas is Beaumont. ...
  • Wichita Falls. Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a cheap destination for nature lovers. ...
  • Harlingen. ...
  • Texarkana. ...
  • Abilene. ...
  • Amarillo. ...
  • Odessa.
Jan 10, 2023

How much does it cost to build a house in Texas on your own land? ›

How much does building a house cost in Texas? Building a house in Texas is expected to cost anywhere between $235,000 and $660,000, on average new home constructions in Texas cost around $447,500.

Is 1 acre big enough for 2 houses? ›

It is customary for builders to place at least 2-3 homes per acre, depending on the landscape. With custom home construction, lot sizes generally tend to be a little bigger.

How many houses can you build on 5 acres of land in Texas? ›

However, the median size of a family house is 2,261 square feet or 0.05 acres. So, on a 5-acre parcel, you could fit 96 homes. That's enough to create your community!

What you need to know before buying land in Texas? ›

7 Primary Steps to Buying Land
  • Securing Financing.
  • Finding right piece of land.
  • The Offer and Contract.
  • Land Inspection.
  • Rural Surveys.
  • Title.
  • Closing.

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