If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much is an acre of land in North Carolina?”, you’re not alone. Whether you're holding vacant rural acreage or inherited property near the coast, understanding your land's value is the first step toward making a confident decision — especially if you're considering a sale.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average price per acre in North Carolina, what impacts land values, and what you can do to get the most from your land.
What’s the Average Cost of an Acre in North Carolina?
As of early 2025, the average cost of an acre of land in North Carolina is around $7,800 to $13,200, depending on the region and land type:
According to the USDA’s 2024 Land Values Summary, farmland in North Carolina increased to $5,150 per acre, reflecting an 8.4% year-over-year gain — one of the highest jumps in the Southeast. This upward trend highlights growing interest from both residential and agricultural buyers across the state.
|
Region |
Avg. Price per Acre |
|
Western NC (mountains) |
$7,800 – $10,000 |
|
Central NC (Piedmont) |
$9,500 – $12,000 |
|
Eastern NC (coastal) |
$10,500 – $13,200 |
Rural and undeveloped parcels tend to fall on the lower end, while suburban or near-coastal lots often demand a premium. Properties near Asheville, Raleigh, or Wilmington usually see higher values due to growth and infrastructure.
Keep in mind: raw land doesn’t follow a flat price scale. Features like road access, zoning, utilities, and nearby sales history all play a role.
What Impacts Land Value in North Carolina?
Here are some of the biggest factors:
1. Location & Market Demand
Acreage near cities or tourist corridors (like the Blue Ridge Parkway or Outer Banks) typically commands more. Proximity to highways, shopping, or schools can also increase demand.
2. Zoning & Usage Rights
Agricultural land has different value metrics than residential or commercial parcels. Counties like Mecklenburg and Wake offer more flexible zoning — which means greater resale potential.
3. Utilities & Road Access
If your land has access to public water, sewer, or paved roads, buyers may be willing to pay more. Conversely, landlocked parcels without legal easement can sell at deep discounts.
4. Topography & Soil
Flat, dry, and buildable land = more valuable. Sloped lots, flood zones, or parcels with poor soil drainage tend to sell for less — unless intended for recreational or timber purposes.
5. Recent Comparable Sales
This is often the most direct factor buyers and land investors use. They look at nearby sales of similar size, location, and use within the last 6–12 months.
Should You Sell Your Acre of Land?
Maybe. Maybe not. Here's how to think about it:
Pros of Selling Now:
- North Carolina land prices have risen steadily over the past 5 years.
- Demand from out-of-state buyers (especially from Florida and the Northeast) is strong.
- You can avoid ongoing tax, HOA, and maintenance costs.
Consider Holding If:
- You expect future rezoning or city expansion near your property.
- Your land holds sentimental or long-term development value.
- You’re waiting for infrastructure (like power or sewer) to reach your area.
UNITY’s advice? Start with a no-obligation land offer. This helps you understand where your property fits in the market — without needing to list it or spend money upfront.
How UNITY Helps Landowners
- We’ll do the research for you. Just share your parcel number or property address — we’ll handle the rest.
- No agent commissions or hidden fees. We cover most standard closing costs; some specific fees (like HOA or estoppel letters) may be the seller's responsibility.
- You don’t need to clean or market the land. We’ll handle due diligence, but be aware: environmental or utility issues may affect the final offer.
- We handle the paperwork. No need to arrange inspections — we manage that on our end during due diligence.
- We close in around 30 to 45 days. Our team works with title professionals across North Carolina to ensure a smooth closing.
Want to learn more about how to sell your land? We’re here to help.
FAQ: North Carolina Acreage & Land Sales
Q: What’s the cheapest region to buy land in North Carolina?
A: Western and far-northern rural counties (like Cherokee, Wilkes, or Person) tend to offer the lowest cost per acre, sometimes below $7,000.
Q: Do I need to hire a realtor to sell land?
A: Not necessarily. Many landowners work directly with buyers like UNITY to skip the listing process and avoid agent fees.
Q: Can I sell land that has no access?
A: It depends. Legally landlocked parcels can be sold, but they may require an easement agreement to become usable — which affects value.
Q: Will back taxes reduce my offer?
A: Possibly. We try to resolve back taxes with the title company at closing or factor them into your cash offer.
Q: How long does it take to close a land sale in NC?
A: Most closings take around 30–45 days, depending on title status and county requirements.
