10 reasons owning land in North Carolina makes sense in 2026

North Carolina land appeals to buyers who want natural beauty, practical uses (from farming to hunting), and long-term upside. The state’s mix of mountains, Piedmont countryside, and coastal plains creates a wide range of parcel types—so you can match your land purchase to your goals, timeline, and budget.

If you’re looking for a market with real fundamentals, the numbers back it up. North Carolina has 18,592,940 acres of forest land (2023) and that forest land covers about 60% of the state’s sampled land area, according to the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA). The same FIA snapshot reports that 82% of North Carolina’s forest land is privately owned, which matters if you value private-property opportunity and choice in how land is used and managed (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)).

Reasons To Buy Land in North Carolina

1. Affordable entry points in many counties

Compared with many high-demand regions across the U.S., North Carolina still offers wide pockets where raw land pricing remains approachable. In many rural areas, buyers can find acreage priced for small investors, first-time landowners, and families who want room to grow—without competing against big-city price pressure.

2. Growth around major cities keeps demand steady

North Carolina’s expanding metros—along with the suburbs and exurbs around them—continue to drive demand for housing, services, and commercial development. Land near growing corridors can gain value as utilities, road access, and nearby amenities improve over time.

3. A strong tourism and retirement draw

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coast, North Carolina supports year-round recreation, second-home demand, and retirement relocation. That sustained flow of visitors and new residents can boost opportunities for land used for short-term stays, outdoor recreation, and future residential development (where zoning and infrastructure allow).

4. Working forests create real economic activity

Forestland isn’t just scenic—it’s productive. North Carolina has 17,854,302 acres of timberland (2023), according to the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA). In addition, nearly 19 million acres of woodlands provide employment for about 74,000 people, showing that the state’s woodland economy is active and job-generating (U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)).

5. Land variety makes it easier to match the parcel to the plan

North Carolina offers mountain tracts, wooded recreational acreage, farmland, and coastal parcels—plus everything in between. This diversity helps buyers diversify their holdings and choose land that fits specific goals like privacy, hunting, homesteading, or future development.

6. Agriculture is a major, measurable strength

If you’re buying land with agricultural potential in mind, North Carolina is a serious farm state. It has 42,817 farmers utilizing 8.1 million acres for agriculture, according to NC State Extension - Local Food. The state also ranks eighth nationally in Total Market Value of Agricultural Products Sold at $18.7 billion (NC State Extension - Local Food). For land buyers, that scale signals established markets, infrastructure, and a deep bench of local know-how.

7. Private ownership dominates the forest landscape

Because 82% of North Carolina’s forest land is privately owned, many buyers can find parcels that fit long-term plans—whether that means conservation-minded ownership, recreation, or timber-related strategies (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)).

8. Management activity supports long-term value

Well-managed land can stay healthier, more usable, and more marketable over time. North Carolina’s forestland data shows that 3.8% of the state’s forest land is treated for management on average per year, reflecting ongoing stewardship activity across the landscape (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)).

9. Leasing and shared-use strategies can offset carrying costs

Many owners reduce annual expenses by leasing land for farming, grazing, hunting, timber-related access (where appropriate), or other permitted uses. Depending on location, topography, and zoning, vacant land can also support agreements for infrastructure such as utilities or communications—helping turn “unused” acreage into an income-producing asset.

10. Big-picture fundamentals: forests, farms, and room to grow

North Carolina’s land fundamentals stand out because so much of the state remains productive and working. The state has 18,592,940 acres of forest land (2023) and that forest land represents roughly 60% of the sampled land area—a major signal of long-term recreational, ecological, and economic value (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)). Pair that with a large agricultural footprint and strong farm-market output, and you get a state where land is not only beautiful—it is actively used.

Is North Carolina Land a Good Investment?

North Carolina can be a strong land market when you align the parcel with a realistic plan—recreation, farming, timberland, or future development—and you do thorough due diligence. Investors typically look for:

• Cost of entry that still allows room for appreciation
• Economic activity tied to land-based industries like forestry and agriculture
• Infrastructure and growth corridors that increase accessibility over time
• Long-term usability (zoning, soils, flood risk, access, utilities, and restrictions)

On the land-based economy side, the state’s forestry and farming metrics are especially compelling. North Carolina’s 17,854,302 acres of timberland (USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)), its employment base of about 74,000 people supported by nearly 19 million acres of woodlands (U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)), and its agriculture scale—42,817 farmers on 8.1 million acres with $18.7 billion in total market value of agricultural products sold (NC State Extension - Local Food)—all point to durable, real-world demand for land and land uses.

Final Words

North Carolina remains a standout for buyers who want a mix of affordability, variety, and long-term potential. The state’s huge forest footprint, privately owned woodland opportunities, and nationally significant agricultural output create a strong foundation for land ownership—whether you’re buying for recreation, production, or future development. Research the county, confirm access and restrictions, and move decisively when you find a parcel that fits your strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of land sell well in North Carolina?

Parcels near expanding cities often move quickly, especially in suburbs and exurbs. Wooded tracts for privacy and recreation, farmland with usable soils, and property with strong road access also tend to stay in demand.

How much does raw land cost in North Carolina?

Pricing varies sharply by county, proximity to metros, utilities, and topography. Rural land can be far more affordable than parcels near major job centers or coastal communities. Comparable sales (comps) and zoning-allowed uses usually explain most price differences.

Should I buy land myself or use a company?

Experienced buyers often purchase direct. If you’re new to land or short on time, a reputable land professional can help you evaluate access, restrictions, surveys, and closing details—especially for rural properties.

What mistakes should I avoid when buying NC land?

Don’t skip due diligence. Confirm legal access, verify easements and deed restrictions, review flood and soil considerations, and understand what the county will allow you to build or operate on the property.

How can I start earning money from vacant land?

Common options include leasing for agriculture, grazing, hunting, or other permitted uses. Depending on the parcel and location, some owners also explore timber-related income strategies, but you should confirm boundaries, consult professionals, and follow all applicable regulations before acting.