What Does an Acre of Land Cost in Ohio in 2026?

Pricing one acre of land in Ohio isn’t a one-number exercise. Ohio spans more than 26 million acres across 88 counties, and values shift dramatically based on development pressure, agricultural productivity, recreational appeal, and whether a parcel can be built on quickly. The smartest way to estimate value is to combine today’s market benchmarks with on-the-ground factors like location, utilities, zoning, and recent comparable sales.

Ohio land value snapshot (2025–2026)

Start with statewide benchmarks, then narrow down to your county and the parcel’s features.

• In 2025, agricultural land in Ohio averaged $8,760 per acre, a 9% increase from 2023, according to Mossy Oak Properties (citing USDA data).
• In 2026, Ohio farm real estate values rose 6.7% to $9,350 per acre, ranking as the fourth-highest in the nation, according to Farm Progress America.
• For 2025, rural land values in Ohio typically range from $3,000 to $30,000 per acre depending on location and property type, according to Mossy Oak Properties.

Why one acre can cost $3,000 in one county and $30,000 in another

Ohio’s land market is being pulled in two directions at once: working farms and rural recreational tracts on one side, and metro expansion and development demand on the other. That tension shows up in both prices and land availability.

Agricultural supply is tightening

• Ohio had 74,000 farms in 2024 with an average farm size of 182 acres, and the farm count was down 2.4% from 2023, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
• Ohio also lost 200,000 acres of farmland in 2024, bringing total land in farms to 13.5 million acres, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Development pressure is reshaping the map

Land values often rise fastest where growth is converting farmland into housing, commercial sites, and supporting infrastructure.

• Between 2000 and 2023, the Dayton, Kettering, and Beavercreek area lost 24,021 acres of farmland to development, according to the Dayton Daily News (citing Ohio State University data).
• Ohio farmland values posted a 4.7% increase driven by high demand from urban development around major cities, according to Brownfield Ag News (citing Ohio State University Professor Ani Katchova).

Location factors that move the price per acre

1) Proximity to growing metro areas

Land near expanding job centers and commuter corridors typically commands a premium because buyers can justify higher prices based on future housing demand, rezoning potential, and eventual utility expansion. In high-growth zones, even “simple” acreage can trade like a future building lot.

2) Access to infrastructure (utilities, roads, services)

Parcels with road frontage, nearby power, and accessible water/sewer options often sell faster and for more money because they reduce time, risk, and upfront development cost. Buyers pay “shovel-ready” premiums when a site is realistically buildable—not just theoretically desirable.

Ohio county price examples (what buyers are paying)

County-level ranges help you sanity-check an asking price before you dive into comps and due diligence.

Franklin County (Columbus influence)

Development pressure near Columbus pushes values higher. Franklin County land values often range from $15,000 to $30,000 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties.

Northeast Ohio agricultural land (Geauga, Portage, Ashtabula)

In Northeast Ohio, agricultural land in Geauga, Portage, and Ashtabula Counties typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties.

Southern Ohio recreational and wooded land (Adams, Scioto, Lawrence)

In parts of southern Ohio, recreational and wooded acreage often costs less than metro-adjacent land. Adams, Scioto, and Lawrence Counties commonly range from $3,000 to $5,500 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties.

Five parcel characteristics that can raise per-acre value

After location sets the baseline, property-specific features determine how far above (or below) that baseline your acre lands.

1) Water frontage and water access

Ponds, creeks, and lake frontage can trigger large premiums because buyers value immediate recreational use, scenic views, and the rarity of buildable sites near water. Even small, well-sited water features can separate a “nice” parcel from a must-have parcel.

2) Strong hunting and wildlife habitat

Deer and turkey habitat, travel corridors, and food sources can increase demand—especially for recreational buyers who compare properties based on huntability, privacy, and potential lease income.

3) Proven tillable productivity

For farmland buyers, soil quality and yield history matter. Parcels with consistent production and favorable field layouts often trade at higher values because they support stable farm economics and long-term land stewardship plans. (See also: Ohio land parcels.)

4) Timber value and long-term upside

Timber inventory can add real present-day value while also acting as a long-term asset. Species mix, maturity, access for harvest, and management history all influence whether timber is a bonus—or a missed opportunity.

5) Mineral and subsurface rights

In parts of Ohio, subsurface rights may carry meaningful upside through royalties or lease payments. The value depends on what transfers with the deed, local activity, and the legal/environmental constraints that come with extraction.

How to estimate the fair market value of one acre in Ohio

No single statewide formula can price every acre accurately. Instead, use a simple reconciliation approach that mirrors how appraisers and experienced investors reach defensible numbers.

• Recent comparable sales (price per acre) – Closed sales near the subject property typically provide the most reliable anchor for fair market value.
• Independent appraisal – A licensed appraiser can quantify how unique attributes (water, access, timber, improvements, highest-and-best-use potential) affect value.
• County auditor records – Auditor values can help you spot trends and tax impacts, but they often lag the market and may not reflect the final negotiated sale price.

Final thoughts

One acre in Ohio can be worth a few thousand dollars or tens of thousands, and the difference usually comes down to location, development pressure, and whether the land has standout features that buyers can use immediately. Ground your estimate in current benchmarks, then validate it with comps, zoning realities, utility access, and the parcel’s income or recreational potential. If you want a deeper read on broader conditions, see evaluating the Ohio land market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the presence of natural resources affect land value in Ohio?

Yes. When mineral or energy rights transfer with the land, buyers may pay more for the potential income stream. Always confirm ownership, lease status, and restrictions before assigning value to subsurface assets.

How much does proximity to major cities impact land prices in Ohio?

It can be decisive. Land near expanding metros often trades at a premium because buyers price in future demand, rezoning potential, and infrastructure growth—especially in counties influenced by large job centers.

Are there Ohio-specific factors that influence land values?

Ohio’s mix of prime farmland, wooded hills, and fast-growing metro areas creates a wide pricing spread. Soil productivity, drainage, and field layout matter for agriculture, while water access and habitat matter for recreation.

How often do land values change in Ohio?

Values can move year to year based on interest rates, commodity prices, development activity, and local inventory. In growth corridors, prices can shift quickly when new infrastructure or major projects are announced.

Is it worth investing in Ohio land right now?

It depends on your goals (farming, recreation, development, long-term holding) and the specific parcel. Use recent comparable sales, confirm zoning and utilities, and consider a professional appraisal for high-stakes decisions.