A Data Driven Review of Where Value Still Exists
Finding affordable land has become harder over the past few years. Prices in many states have moved higher, off grid buyers have expanded demand, and large institutional acquisitions have reduced the amount of small parcels that trade hands. Even with those trends, there are still counties where land remains accessible and reasonably priced.
This review highlights twelve counties that continue to offer value in 2025. These picks are based on a combination of price per acre ranges, inventory depth, search activity, ease of due diligence and the quality of parcel data available. They are listed by region rather than by rank.
These counties are not the only opportunities in the country. They are simply strong examples of where buyers continue to find workable numbers and consistent supply.
Southeast
1. Ashe County, North Carolina
Mountain views, steady inventory levels and more modest pricing compared with nearby Watauga. Many parcels have public road access and conventional zoning, which shortens diligence for new buyers.
2. Cumberland County, Tennessee
A large and active land market with mixed terrain. Prices are still within reach for recreation buyers and small homesteads. GIS and assessor data are relatively reliable compared with other rural Tennessee counties.
Southwest
3. Apache County, Arizona
A staple of low cost land searches. Large acreage parcels remain affordable and there is consistent inventory across multiple ZIP codes. Buyers should still confirm access and utility distance, but the numbers tend to work for both off grid and long term hold strategies.
4. Luna County, New Mexico
Flat terrain, simple zoning and one of the most active low price land markets in the Southwest. Soil and flood data are easy to review and many parcels sit near established roads.
Mountain West
5. Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Expansive open land with stable pricing and low competition relative to Colorado. Most parcels are unbuilt, which keeps the market consistent year over year.
6. Park County, Colorado
Higher priced than the classic “cheap land” markets but still one of the more attainable Colorado counties with genuine demand. Buyers who want mountain proximity without the high costs of Summit or Eagle often start here.
Midwest
7. Marquette County, Michigan
A strong mix of recreation land, wooded parcels and remote acreage near the Upper Peninsula. Public GIS and soil data are detailed, which reduces surprises during diligence.
8. Benton County, Missouri
A frequent target for entry level buyers due to low per acre pricing and flexible land uses. Many parcels sit near roads or lake areas, which improves resale.
South Central
9. Caddo County, Oklahoma
Largest county in the state by land area, with consistent listings and reasonable pricing. Zoning is straightforward and assessor data is accessible.
10. Van Buren County, Arkansas
Known for affordable wooded acreage and light development pressure. Many parcels have clear access and predictable topography.
Northeast
11. Oxford County, Maine
A balance of forest, lakeside parcels and recreation land. Prices remain manageable compared with coastal counties. Terrain and soil conditions are easy to review with public GIS.
12. Franklin County, New York
Located in the northern Adirondack region. Buyers can still find large tracts at moderate prices. Good fit for long term holds or recreation cabins.
How to Use This List
This list is a starting point, not a complete map of every affordable market. The best counties share a few traits:
- Transparent GIS and assessor data.
- Clear road access on most parcels.
- Predictable zoning rules.
- Enough active listings to find comparables.
- Low competition from institutional buyers.
Counties that check these boxes give new buyers and experienced investors a more straightforward path from research to closing.
Plotfolio tracks the parcels, ownership patterns and county level data that support this type of analysis. If you want to explore any of these counties in more detail, you can review the full county files on the site.
