The Most Affordable Places to Buy Land in the U.S.
- Craig Kaiser
- Jan 11
- 7 min read
Land is the original American dream, and buying land is an exciting opportunity full of potential. Unlike a home, land gives you a blank canvas to bring your ideas to life- the possibilities are endless! Finding affordable land for sale in the United States may be easier than you think. Don’t let assumptions hold you back from owning your own property. Cheap land for sale is available across the country; you just need to know where to look. This guide explores the most affordable states to buy land in the U.S. and helps you find your perfect plot without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways:
New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Arkansas, and Mississippi are the most affordable places to buy land in 2026.
Desert and arid regions have the cheapest land for sale.
New Mexico and Wyoming have the cheapest farmland for sale in the country.
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 can be found in New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, and Arkansas. 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 $8,940 per acre in 2024, while prices for cropland in the Southern Plains averaged only $2,640 per acre.
State | Approx. $/acre Price | Best Regions | Notes |
New Mexico | ~$400 to $6,000, $6500/ac median | Luna, Valencia, Torrance, Rio Arriba, Catron Counties | Lowest overall prices, especially in remote and desert areas. |
Arizona | ~$400 to $1,000, $4,000/ac median | Mohave, Navajo, Cochise, Apache Counties | Desert and high-desert counties have the lowest prices |
Michigan | ~$1,000, $3,900/ac median | Rural Northern & Upper Peninsula areas | Remote, southern land in Michigan is the most affordable |
Arkansas | ~$1,000–$3,000, $8,000/ac median | Izard, Sharp, Fulton, Stone Counties | Land in the ozarks can be cheaper than the state median |
Mississippi | ~$1,500 to $4,000, $5,200/ ac median | Holmes, Coahoma, Sharkey, Issaquena Counties | Central & Delta counties usually have the cheapest rural land |
Colorado | ~$700 to $1,000, $6,000/ac median | Costilla, Huerfano, Las Animas, Saguache Counties | Rural southeastern counties often offer the lowest prices |
Wyoming | ~$500 to $1,000, $10,000/ac median | Sweetwater, Carbon, Fremont Counties | Remote ranch and desert landscapes have the cheapest land |
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 is the most affordable state to buy land in the U.S. 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 $400 per acre.
New Mexico also has the cheapest farmland in the U.S. According to the USDA, farmland in New Mexico averaged just $725 per acre in 2025. 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. In Apache and Cochise Counties, land for sale can be found for $400 to $1,000 per acre. Densely populated areas such as Phoenix, Tuscon, and Flagstaff generally have higher land prices compared to the rest of Arizona.
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) Arkansas
Arkansas is widely recognized as one of the most budget‑friendly states to buy rural land in the U.S. Its combination of vast forests, farmland, river valleys, and Ozark and Ouachita mountain terrain creates huge opportunities for buyers at a wide range of price points. Some rural land can be found for under $1,000 to $3,000 per acre, which is far below national averages- though prices vary a lot by region and land type. Marion County and Newton County have some of the most affordable land for sale in Arkansas.
5) Mississippi
Mississippi is one of the most affordable states in the U.S. to buy land, particularly outside major metropolitan and coastal areas. Its rural landscape, abundant timber, farmland, and low population density make it an ideal choice for buyers looking to get the most value for their money. Broad market data shows that rural land in Mississippi generally ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 per acre, depending on location and land type, while some guides report that many parcels can be found for as low as $1,500 to $4,000 per acre. For those seeking the best deals, Winston and Walthall Counties consistently rank among the most affordable areas in the state, offering prime opportunities for budget‑minded buyers.
6) 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, Las Aminas County offers cheap land options ranging as low as $700 per acre, particularly in its less developed regions.
7) Wyoming
From rugged mountains to wide-open plains Wyoming offers diverse landscapes that create opportunities for affordable land, especially in remote areas. In Southwestern Wyoming near Wamsutter and in Southern Wyoming near Rawlins, land can be found for as low as $500 per acre, making it ideal for buyers seeking inexpensive property with scenic, wide-open views. Farmland is also surprisingly affordable, with irrigated cropland, dry cropland, and rangeland averaging around $1,000 per acre according to the USDA's 2025 Land Values Summary Report. Common crops include hay, wheat, oats, and barley, and irrigation is key in the drier western regions. Whether you’re looking to build, invest, or farm, Wyoming offers plenty of opportunities to own a piece of the American West.
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.
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