10 reasons why buying land in Maryland still makes sense in 2026

Maryland packs a remarkable range of landscapes into a small footprint—Appalachian ridgelines in the west, rolling farmland in the center, and Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast access to the east. That variety creates year-round demand for land that works for recreation, farming, and development. It also means prices, permitting, and income potential can change dramatically from county to county—so informed buyers focus on both the “why” and the “where” before they make an offer.

Overview of Land Investing in Maryland (2026 Snapshot)

Maryland attracts land investors for one core reason: it offers multiple, overlapping demand drivers. Central Maryland ties into the Baltimore–Washington economic corridor, while coastal and mountain regions support recreation and tourism. Agricultural ground remains a long-term anchor, supported by measurable rental-rate benchmarks. For example, Maryland’s 2025 average cash rental rate for non-irrigated cropland is $227 per acre, according to the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data). In select counties, 2025 irrigated cropland cash rental rates range from $193 to $270 per acre, also reported by the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data).

Pasture can be just as telling for land strategy. Maryland’s 2025 average pastureland rental rate is $59 per acre—the highest in the Northeast–Mid-Atlantic region—per the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data). Even within the state, the spread is wide: Kent County has the highest 2025 pastureland rental rate at $117 per acre, while Garrett County has the lowest at $32 per acre, both according to the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data). These differences underscore why Maryland rewards local knowledge: the same “type” of land can perform very differently depending on the region.

10 Great Reasons We Love Buying Land in Maryland

1. Steady population growth supports long-term demand

Maryland continues to draw residents to its urban centers and commuter-friendly suburbs, which helps maintain demand for buildable land. Growth pressure near major job hubs often expands outward, creating new opportunities in once-overlooked submarkets.

2. Favorable property taxes help long-term holds penciled out

Maryland’s effective property tax rate sits below the national average, which can reduce carrying costs for investors who hold land through planning, entitlement, or longer market cycles. Lower annual expenses can make the difference between a tight deal and a strong one.

3. You can match the land type to the strategy

Maryland makes it easier to invest “your way” because the state supports multiple land-use paths:

• Recreational rural land: Mountain tracts, timber parcels, and quiet acreage for cabins, hunting, and hiking. In Maryland’s mountain areas, rural land values average $4,000 to over $9,000 per acre, according to Land.com.
• Residential development land: Parcels near Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Washington, D.C. commuter radius that can support subdivisions, infill, or small-lot builds (subject to zoning and utilities).
• Commercial land: Sites along major corridors positioned for retail, mixed-use, flex, industrial, or service businesses.
• Agricultural land: Cropland and pasture that can generate income while you hold, guided by rental-rate benchmarks such as the $227 per acre non-irrigated cropland average reported by the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data).
• Waterfront land: Chesapeake Bay shoreline, tidal creeks, and coastal access that appeal to lifestyle buyers and hospitality operators.

With the right due diligence, you can align location, zoning, and site conditions with a clear exit—whether that’s resale, development, or rental income.

4. A business-friendly climate reinforces commercial and residential demand

Maryland’s economy benefits from a strong mix of government, defense, healthcare, biotech, education, and tourism. When employers expand, land demand often follows—first for housing, then for services, and then for commercial footprints.

5. Central Maryland wealth demographics strengthen higher-end buyer pools

Counties surrounding Baltimore and Washington, D.C. include some of the most affluent communities in the country. That concentration of income and professional employment supports premium residential projects and commercial uses that depend on high purchasing power.

6. Central Maryland inventory signals real opportunity—at real price points

Central Maryland remains one of the most competitive areas to buy, but the volume of listings shows how active the market is. Central Maryland has over 8,000 acres of rural land for sale valued at about $1 billion, according to LandWatch. The average price of land for sale in Central Maryland is $990,681, also reported by LandWatch.

For buyers, that data is useful in two ways: it frames realistic acquisition budgets, and it highlights why strategy matters—some parcels are priced for immediate development potential, while others trade on long-term upside.

7. Job stability reduces the risk of extreme boom-and-bust swings

Maryland’s reliance on stable sectors—government agencies, military contracting, higher education, and healthcare—helps cushion land and housing demand across economic cycles. That stability can support more predictable resale conditions compared to areas tied to a single volatile industry.

8. Tourism creates development angles beyond housing

Maryland’s mix of coastal destinations, historic towns, and outdoor recreation areas fuels demand for land that supports short-term rentals, campgrounds, marinas, storage, and hospitality businesses. When you buy in tourism-driven submarkets, your buyer pool can include not only homeowners, but also operators and investors looking for cash-flow potential.

9. In-migration keeps pressure on housing and services

Maryland continues to attract residents from nearby states and major coastal metros. New arrivals often prioritize proximity to jobs, schools, and transportation—which can concentrate demand in central counties while also pushing expansion into surrounding areas.

10. Developer incentives help projects move faster—and sometimes cheaper

Many counties use incentives, fee relief, and targeted programs to encourage redevelopment and growth in specific zones. That can improve ROI, but only if you budget accurately for sitework and permitting.

Site preparation is a real cost driver today. The average land grading cost for 1 acre is $15,800 to $44,535 in 2026, according to LawnLove. Permits can add additional line items: for example, the Anne Arundel County, Maryland, land grading permit fee is $400, per LawnLove. When incentives reduce fees or speed approvals, they can materially improve timelines and carrying costs—especially on projects that require grading, stormwater work, or road access planning.

Tap into Maryland’s Strong Land Investment Opportunities

Maryland offers a rare blend of lifestyle appeal and economic durability—plus practical options for investors who want recreation land, agricultural income potential, or development upside. Rental-rate benchmarks like the $227 per acre average for non-irrigated cropland and the $59 per acre statewide pasture average reported by the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data) help investors evaluate hold strategies with real numbers, not guesswork.

At the same time, market realities matter. Listing data such as Central Maryland’s over 8,000 acres for sale valued at about $1 billion and the $990,681 average land listing price cited by LandWatch highlights the competition—and the importance of finding properties that fit your plan, not just your preferences.

Final Thoughts

We love buying land in Maryland because the state offers multiple paths to value: stable demand near major job centers, strong tourism corridors, and farmland fundamentals supported by published rental-rate data. Whether you’re targeting mountain acreage—where values average $4,000 to over $9,000 per acre per Land.com—or evaluating a development-ready parcel where grading could run $15,800 to $44,535 per acre per LawnLove, Maryland rewards buyers who underwrite carefully and think regionally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of land parcels can I invest in within Maryland?

Maryland supports recreational, residential, commercial, agricultural, and waterfront land strategies. Investors often compare regional benchmarks—like mountain-area values averaging $4,000 to over $9,000 per acre from Land.com—to decide where their budget and intended use align.

Can agricultural land in Maryland generate rental income while I hold it?

Yes. Maryland has published rental-rate benchmarks you can use for underwriting. The 2025 average cash rental rate for non-irrigated cropland is $227 per acre, and irrigated cropland in select counties ranges from $193 to $270 per acre, according to the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data). For grazing, the 2025 average pastureland rental rate is $59 per acre—the highest in the Northeast–Mid-Atlantic—also reported by the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data).

Do pasture rental rates vary much by county?

They do. Kent County has the highest 2025 pastureland rental rate at $117 per acre, while Garrett County has the lowest at $32 per acre, according to the University of Maryland Extension (USDA NASS data). That spread can influence where pasture-based holds or farm leases make the most sense.

What should I budget for grading and permitting if I plan to build?

Grading can be a major expense. The average land grading cost for 1 acre is $15,800 to $44,535 in 2026, per LawnLove. Permits vary by jurisdiction; for example, the Anne Arundel County land grading permit fee is $400, according to LawnLove. Always confirm current requirements with the county before closing.

Is Central Maryland still a viable place to buy land?

Yes, but it’s competitive and pricing reflects demand. Central Maryland has over 8,000 acres of rural land for sale valued at about $1 billion, and the average price of land for sale is $990,681, according to LandWatch. Buyers tend to do best when they match a parcel to a specific plan—development, long-term hold, or cash-flow use—rather than buying on location alone.