How Much Land Does China Own in the U.S.?
- Craig Kaiser
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
The topic of foreign land ownership in the United States often sparks debate, and no country draws more attention in this conversation than China. Concerns over national security, food supply, and economic influence have brought the issue of Chinese-owned land into the spotlight. But how much land do Chinese investors really own in the U.S., and what does it mean for the country?
Foreign Land Ownership in the U.S.
Foreigners can own land in the U.S. with no broad federal restrictions, though some reporting requirements apply, particularly for agricultural land. When discussing foreign land ownership, it is important to start with reliable data. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tracks foreign interests in agricultural land through the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA). The USDA data focuses specifically on agricultural land, which includes forests, pastures, and cropland. However, Chinese investments extend to other types of real estate, including commercial and residential properties. Tracking ownership in these sectors is more complex, as no single federal agency consolidates this data in the same way the USDA tracks farmland.
According to the most recent USDA report, foreign investors own around 45.8 million acres of agricultural land in the U.S. spread over 47,000 parcels. This represents 3.61% of all privately held agricultural land in the country. For perspective, the federal government owns around 650 million acres of land, or 28% of the U.S. landmass, making them the largest landowner in the United States. Canada owns the most land among foreign countries in the U.S., holding over 14 million acres, which is 1.21% of all agricultural land in America. Other large foreign landowners in the U.S. include the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Russia only owns around 100 acres of U.S. land total.
How Much Land Does China Own in the U.S.?
So, where does China fit into this picture? Chinese investors own a fraction of the total foreign land ownership in the U.S. As of 2025, entities and individuals from China own around 380,000 acres of U.S. agricultural land, according to NPR. While this number has seen an increase over the past decade, it represents less than 1% of all foreign-held agricultural acres and a tiny fraction (about 0.03%) of total U.S. farmland.
Why Does China Buy Land in the U.S.?
Chinese entities, primarily corporations, invest in U.S. land for various reasons, including food production, renewable energy projects, and general investment. While some purchases have raised national security concerns, especially those near military bases, the overall percentage of foreign-owned agricultural land remains small. Many states have restrictions on foreign land ownership, and China's share of foreign-owned land is only a small fraction of the total.
Agricultural Investments: For agricultural land, the primary driver is often strategic. Chinese food companies may acquire farmland or processing facilities to secure supply chains for their domestic market. With a massive population to feed and limited arable land of its own, China looks globally to ensure food security. Some investments are also aimed at gaining access to advanced U.S. agricultural technology and expertise, like the acquisition of Smithfield Foods.
Commercial and Residential Investments: Investments in commercial and residential real estate are typically viewed as stable, long-term assets. The U.S. property market has long been considered a safe haven for global capital. For Chinese investors, it offers an opportunity to diversify their portfolios away from the domestic Chinese market and hedge against currency fluctuations. Major urban centers provide opportunities for high returns on investment through rental income and property appreciation.
Renewable Energy: Foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land for renewable energy has soared since 2010, increasing by 10.4 million acres (a 353% rise). This accounts for nearly half of the total increase in foreign-owned farmland during that period, making renewable energy a primary driver of this trend. With corporations facing pressure to meet environmental goals, and European nations having limited land for carbon offset mandates, investment in U.S. land for renewable energy projects is expected to continue.
The Controversies and National Security Concerns
Despite the relatively small percentage of land owned, Chinese investments have generated significant debate and controversy. These concerns are rooted in national security, economic competition, and the strategic nature of some land purchases.
Proximity to Military Bases
One of the most prominent concerns involves foreign purchases of U.S. land near sensitive U.S. military installations. A high-profile case involved a Chinese company’s plan to build a corn mill in Grand Forks, North Dakota, just 12 miles from a U.S. Air Force base that houses sensitive drone and satellite technology. After significant local and federal opposition, including a determination by the Air Force that the project presented a "significant threat to national security," the plan was ultimately scrapped. This case highlighted fears that such properties could be used for espionage or intelligence-gathering activities.
Impact on Food Security
While Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland is minimal on a national scale, some worry about the potential impact on America's food supply. The concern is that a foreign entity could control a portion of the food production chain, potentially creating vulnerabilities. However, given that Chinese-owned land accounts for less than 1% of foreign-held acreage, its direct influence on the overall U.S. food supply remains limited at present.
Economic and Local Impacts
At the local level, large-scale foreign purchases can drive up land prices, sometimes making it difficult for local farmers and residents to compete. This can lead to resentment and economic pressure within communities. On the other hand, foreign investment can also bring capital, jobs, and development to rural areas that may need it. The economic impact is often a double-edged sword, providing benefits while also creating new challenges.
Policy Responses and the Path Forward
The issue of Chinese land ownership in the United States is complex. The data shows that while Chinese ownership has increased, it remains a very small portion of total U.S. land. The investments are primarily driven by economic logic, such as securing supply chains and diversifying assets. However, the concerns surrounding national security and economic influence are valid and warrant careful consideration.
In response to these growing concerns, federal and state governments are taking action. More than a dozen states have enacted laws restricting or banning foreign ownership of farmland, with many specifically targeting entities from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Foreign buyers are also subject to U.S. tax laws, including property sale withholdings under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA).
At the federal level, lawmakers have proposed legislation to strengthen oversight of foreign land purchases. This includes proposals to give the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) greater authority to review agricultural transactions and to add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the committee. The goal is to create a more robust framework for vetting land deals that could pose a national security risk. Finding a balance is key- one that protects national interests without shutting down beneficial foreign investment that can support local economies.
Who Owns the Most U.S. Farmland?
According to the Census of Agriculture Typology Report, family-owned farms account for 95% of U.S. farms. Outside of the U.S. government, the Resnick family, who owns The Wonderful Company, is one of the largest farmland owners in the U.S., owning over 180,000 acres of farmland. Steward Resnick is known to be the most wealthy farmer in the country as well. In terms of institutional farmland owners, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints owns over 1.7 million acres of farmland, making them another one of the largest farmland owners in the country.
How to Find Out Who Owns U.S. Land
Property ownership is public record, so there are various ways to find out who owns land. In terms of farmland owners, the U.S. Foreign Owned Agricultural Lands interactive map is a great resource. It provides a visual overview of foreign-owned agricultural lands in the United States along with estimated land values.
Another tool you can use to find land owners and see who owns land is LandApp Pro. With a $6 monthly subscription on desktop and on our mobile app, you can access nationwide ownership data and search for property owners by name to see where they own land along with details for each parcel. You can also zoom in and out on the map to see property owner names overlaid on LandApp's map to see property owner names at a glance and find out who owns land near you.