Why Are Billionaires Buying So Much Land?
- Craig Kaiser
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
While most Americans invest in stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts, the world's wealthiest individuals are quietly amassing something more tangible: land. Bill Gates now owns approximately 275,000 acres of farmland across 18 states. Jeff Bezos has acquired over 420,000 acres in Texas alone. Ted Turner's land holdings exceed 2 million acres. For billionaires, land isn't just dirt and trees; it's a multi-faceted asset that offers a unique blend of financial security, long-term growth, and even a powerful sense of control.
Billionaires That Own Land in the U.S.
The scale of billionaire land ownership in America is staggering. Here are some of the most notable players in this quiet land rush:
Stan Kroenke: Owner of the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal FC, Kroenke has amassed over 2.2 million acres of land, primarily ranch land in Montana, Wyoming, and British Columbia, making him the largest landowner in the U.S. His Waggoner Ranch in Texas alone spans over 500,000 acres.
Bill Gates: America's largest private farmland owner, Gates controls approximately 275,000 acres across 18 states. His holdings are heavily concentrated in Louisiana, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Washington, focusing primarily on productive farmland rather than ranches or recreational properties.
Jeff Bezos: The Amazon founder has acquired over 420,000 acres in West Texas, adding to substantial holdings in other states. His land portfolio includes both ranch land and properties with potential for future development or conservation.
John Malone: The media mogul and chairman of Liberty Media holds roughly 2.2 million acres, making him one of the largest private landowners in America. His holdings span from Maine to New Mexico, with significant ranching operations in Colorado and Wyoming.
Ted Turner: The CNN founder owns approximately 2 million acres across multiple states, including massive ranches in Montana, New Mexico, and Nebraska. Turner's focus has been on bison ranching and land conservation.
What's particularly revealing is that many of these acquisitions have accelerated in recent years, suggesting that something about the current moment makes land ownership especially attractive to those with the capital and foresight to act on it.
Why Are Billionaires Buying So Much Land?
Billionaires are buying so much land- especially farmland- as a way to diversify their portfolios, hedge against inflation, and lock in tangible, low-volatility assets. The appeal lies in steady, long-term returns from agriculture, favorable tax advantages, and the growing scarcity of a finite resource that’s fundamental to food production.
1) Land is the Ultimate Finite Resource
"Buy land, they're not making it anymore." Mark Twain's famous quip has never been more relevant. Unlike stocks that can be diluted or cryptocurrencies that can be created infinitely, land is the ultimate scarce asset. There are only so many acres of land in the U.S., and as the global population continues to grow, the value proposition becomes increasingly compelling. Billionaires understand that scarcity drives value. When you can afford to think in terms of decades rather than quarters, land represents one of the most reliable stores of wealth in human history. It's survived every market crash, every currency devaluation, and every technological disruption.
2) Land is an Inflationary Hedge
In an unpredictable world, land stands as one of the most tangible and enduring assets. Unlike volatile stocks or ever-shifting currencies, land generally holds its value, and in many cases, appreciates steadily over time. For billionaires looking to preserve and grow their immense wealth, land acts as a robust hedge against inflation and economic downturns. It's a physical asset that can't be digitally erased or subject to the whims of the stock market.
3) Diversification and Tangible Assets
Smart investors understand the power of diversification. While billionaires have vast portfolios spanning every imaginable industry, real estate offers a unique, tangible component. It's a stark contrast to intangible assets like intellectual property or even highly liquid financial instruments. This physical presence provides a sense of security and a bedrock for their overall investment strategy.
Land provides a hedge against market volatility that's uncorrelated with tech stocks or market indices. During the 2008 financial crisis, farmland values remained remarkably stable while equities cratered. During the pandemic-induced market chaos of 2020, land proved its resilience again. For billionaires looking to preserve wealth across generations, this stability is invaluable.
4) Untapped Potential and Future Development
Another reason that billionaires are buying land is because of its untapped potential for future development opportunities. Billionaires often look beyond the immediate. They see land not just for what it is today, but for what it could become tomorrow. This could involve:
Conservation: Many wealthy individuals are genuinely passionate about preserving natural landscapes and establishing vast conservation efforts.
Future-proofing: Acquiring large tracts of land, particularly near growing urban centers or strategic transportation hubs, can position them for future development opportunities- whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial (data centers).
Resource Control: Land often comes with valuable natural resources, from water rights to timber or mineral deposits, offering additional avenues for wealth generation.
For many billionaires, purchasing large amounts of land serves as a legacy asset- their properties will remain in family trusts for generations, appreciating in value while providing recreational opportunities, conservation benefits, and a tangible connection to something permanent.
5) The Ultimate Tax Strategy
Land ownership offers sophisticated wealth preservation advantages that most people never consider. Investing in farmland often comes with significant tax benefits, conservation easements can generate substantial deductions, and 1031 exchanges allow investors to defer capital gains indefinitely by rolling profits from one property into another. For someone managing billions, these mechanisms aren't just helpful- they're transformative. A well-structured land portfolio can generate income, appreciate in value, and minimize tax liability simultaneously.
6) Strategic Influence and Food Security
The recent surge in billionaires purchasing farmland isn't accidental. Climate change is making arable land increasingly precious, and billionaires are positioning themselves at the intersection of two inevitable trends: growing global population and shrinking agricultural capacity. Bill Gates, one of America’s largest farmland owners, hasn't publicly detailed his strategy, but the implications are clear. Whoever controls the food supply holds tremendous leverage. As water becomes scarcer, as extreme weather events increase, and as geopolitical tensions threaten global supply chains, productive farmland becomes more than just an investment- it becomes a strategic asset.
In some cases, owning significant amounts of land can also translate into a degree of strategic influence. Whether it's controlling access to critical resources, impacting local development decisions, or simply having a powerful presence in a region, land ownership can be a quiet but effective way to exert influence.
How to Find Out Where Billionaires Own Land
Curious to see who owns the land around you? Want to understand the strategic plays being made by the world's wealthiest investors? With LandApp Pro, you can access nationwide ownership information, see who owns land anywhere, and unlock critical insights that empower your own real estate investment decisions.
Ready to get started? Learn more and subscribe to LandApp Pro for just $6/month today, or get it on the Apple and Google Play app stores:
