If you’ve been dreaming of building your own home, investing in property, or exploring development opportunities in North Carolina, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How much does an acre of land cost here?

The answer varies—but the opportunity is real. At The Coley Group, we guide clients through every type of real estate journey, including land purchases. Whether you’re searching for acreage in the Raleigh area or in one of the state’s growing rural communities, here’s what you need to know about land values in North Carolina right now.

What’s the Average Cost Per Acre in North Carolina?

The most recent data from the USDA reports that in 2022, the average value of farm real estate in North Carolina was $4,170 per acre, up from $3,850 in 2021. That’s an 8.4% increase in just one year, reflecting steady demand for land across the state.

But this number reflects agricultural land—and prices for residential or commercial parcels are typically much higher, especially near metro areas.

Land Prices: Urban vs. Rural

Land values vary widely depending on where you’re buying and what it’s zoned for:

Urban & Suburban Areas (e.g., Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte)

In areas like Wake County, where new construction and population growth are booming, residential land commonly sells for $75,000 to $200,000+ per acre. The closer the land is to established neighborhoods, infrastructure, and top-rated schools, the higher the price tag.

Rural North Carolina

In counties farther from urban centers, raw residential land may cost between $3,000 and $15,000 per acre. These areas offer space, privacy, and long-term potential—especially as development pushes outward from the Triangle and Charlotte metros.

What Influences the Price Per Acre

A few key factors determine the cost of land in North Carolina:

• Location: Land near job centers, schools, and infrastructure sees the highest demand.
  
• Zoning & Use: Residential and commercial land commands more than agricultural parcels.
  
• Access & Utilities: Road frontage, water, sewer, and electricity can add significant value.
  
• Topography & Condition: Flat, cleared, build-ready land will almost always be priced higher than wooded or hilly lots that require grading.
  

These variables make it critical to understand not just the price, but the true value and potential of the land you’re considering.

The Market Outlook for 2025

North Carolina’s real estate market remains one of the most dynamic in the Southeast. With ongoing growth in the Triangle and beyond, land values are expected to continue rising—especially in areas near developing highways, schools, and master-planned communities.

For builders and long-term investors, securing land early in high-potential corridors may offer strong returns. For individual buyers, today’s purchase could be tomorrow’s dream home site—or a future investment for the next chapter.

Thinking About Buying Land?

Buying land isn’t just about acreage—it’s about what that land can become. From zoning questions and site evaluations to understanding development costs, The Coley Group brings the strategy and insight that helps our clients build with confidence.

Whether you’re planning a forever home in the Triangle or investing in land for the future, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Looking to explore land opportunities in or around Raleigh?

Contact our team today for a consultation or take our Neighborhood Match Survey to discover which communities fit your lifestyle and goals.

Sources:

• USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Land Values 2022 Summary. August 2022.
  https://ncfarmlink.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/08/usda-farmland-value-report-shows-8-4-increase-from-2021/
  
• Sell My Land Carolina. How Much is an Acre of Residential Land in North Carolina?
  https://www.sellmylandcarolina.com
  
• Prime Land Buyers. How Much is an Acre of Land in North Carolina?
  https://www.primelandbuyers.com