Is Investing in North Carolina Land Still a Smart Move in 2026?

North Carolina land continues to draw investors who want long-term upside, portfolio diversification, and exposure to one of the South’s most dynamic real estate and agriculture markets. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast, the state offers multiple “plays”—development land near fast-growing metros, recreational tracts in tourism corridors, and productive farmland tied to a massive in-state food and fiber economy.

Agriculture alone underlines the scale of land-based opportunity: North Carolina’s 42,817 farmers utilize 8.1 million acres for over 80 commodities, according to the NC State Center for Environmental Farming Systems. That breadth matters for investors because it supports diverse demand drivers—row crops, livestock, specialty crops, agritourism, and the supply chains that follow.

The Investment Case for North Carolina Land in 2025+

North Carolina’s appeal comes from a rare mix of lifestyle demand, business growth, and land diversity. Investors can target different strategies based on risk tolerance and timelines.

• Multiple land types, one state. You can buy mountain acreage, Piedmont “path of growth” tracts, coastal parcels, timberland, or working farms—often within a few hours’ drive.
• Long-run development pressure. Land on the edges of expanding metros tends to benefit from housing demand, infrastructure investment, and commercial buildout.
• A real, measurable farm economy. In 2024, North Carolina ranked 11th nationally with $15,810.0 thousand in cash receipts from farm marketing, according to USDA NASS North Carolina Agricultural Statistics. That scale supports land values, tenant demand, and agricultural services across many counties.

North Carolina Agriculture: Why Farmland Demand Isn’t Just Hype

Even if you’re not planning to farm yourself, North Carolina’s agricultural performance can influence land pricing, buyer demand, and long-term utility. The state’s farm receipts show a balanced mix of crops and livestock:

• In 2024, crops accounted for $4,735,398 thousand (30.3%) of North Carolina’s farm cash receipts, per USDA NASS North Carolina Agricultural Statistics.
• In 2024, hogs accounted for $2,656,721 thousand (17.0%) of North Carolina’s farm cash receipts, according to USDA NASS North Carolina Agricultural Statistics.

Specialty crops also remain a major value driver. In 2024, North Carolina farmers harvested 86,500 acres of sweetpotatoes, producing more than $254.5 million worth, according to NC Field Family. For land buyers, these figures highlight a resilient production base that can support leases, local processors, and sustained rural economic activity.

Recent Land Value Signals (Appalachian Region)

Farmland values matter even if you’re buying recreational or transitional land, because they shape comparable sales and anchor “floor” valuations in many rural areas. In the Appalachian region (which includes North Carolina), the latest USDA land value data shows clear upward movement:

• Cropland values increased 6.5% to $5,950 per acre in 2025, per the USDA Economic Research Service.
• Pastureland values increased 7.7% to $4,680 per acre in 2025, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.

These increases don’t guarantee future appreciation in every county, but they do signal stronger baseline demand and pricing power across a large region that includes many North Carolina mountain and foothill markets.

What Actually Moves Land Values in North Carolina

Land doesn’t trade like a house. Pricing depends on what the property can legally and physically become—and how expensive it is to get it there.

• Development demand and proximity to growth corridors. Parcels near expanding metro edges typically price higher because buyers can underwrite future subdivision, commercial pads, or mixed-use potential.
• Zoning and land-use constraints. County and municipal zoning determines density, allowable uses, setbacks, and minimum lot sizes. Always confirm current zoning and whether a rezoning is realistic.
• Road frontage and access. Legal access and usable frontage affect financing, marketability, and future lot splits.
• Topography and buildability. Steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, and soil limitations can turn “cheap acres” into expensive projects.
• Utilities and infrastructure. Power, water, and sewer availability often separates investor-grade land from land that sits.
• Local economic momentum. Job growth, employer expansions, and household formation can accelerate demand—especially for residential development land.

Risks to Understand Before You Buy

Land can be a strong long-term hold, but it comes with distinct risks compared to rentals or turnkey property.

• Limited or no cash flow. Many raw-land deals rely on appreciation rather than monthly income (unless leased for farming, hunting, storage, or other permitted uses).
• Carrying costs. Property taxes, insurance (if applicable), and basic upkeep can reduce returns while you wait for an exit.
• Longer resale timelines. Vacant land often takes longer to sell than homes, and demand can swing with interest rates and credit availability.
• Regulatory and zoning changes. Future ordinances can restrict density, access, or allowable uses—especially around water quality, stormwater, and roadway standards.
• Environmental and site constraints. Flood zones, wetlands, endangered species habitat, erosion, or contamination can block or delay plans. You need thorough due diligence.

When It Makes Sense to Buy North Carolina Land

Timing matters, but “perfect” timing is rare. The best purchases usually happen when the deal aligns with a clear plan and realistic holding costs.

• On the edge of infrastructure expansion. Look for areas where public utilities, road projects, or commercial nodes are moving outward—while pricing still reflects today’s use.
• When you can buy optionality. Properties that work as-is (recreation, farming lease, timber, or future homesite) give you more paths to profit.
• After pricing dislocations. Estate sales, distress situations, and off-market opportunities can create favorable basis—if the due diligence checks out.

How to Exit Profitably: Real-World Selling Paths

A profitable land investment starts with the end in mind. Common exit strategies include:

• Sell to a developer or builder. Land with zoning, utilities, and access can command premium pricing if it fits a near-term project pipeline.
• Subdivide into smaller lots (where allowed). Splitting a tract into market-friendly parcels can expand the buyer pool and improve per-acre pricing.
• Sell to another investor. Some buyers specialize in transitional land, value-add entitlements, or long-hold positions.
• List on the open market or sell direct. Broker exposure can increase competition; direct-to-buyer sales can reduce fees but require strong marketing and screening.

A Modern Tailwind: Local Food Systems and Community Demand

Beyond traditional development, North Carolina land can benefit from the expanding local-food ecosystem and institutional demand for regional sourcing. In 2024, FarmsSHARE connected 217 local farms, 16 food hubs, and 117 community-based organizations, distributing more than 72,000 healthy meals, according to Health Affairs. In the same program, 89.2% of participating farmers reported hiring additional staff, per Health Affairs.

For investors evaluating farmland, agritourism acreage, or rural tracts near population centers, those outcomes signal more than feel-good impact: they point to logistics networks, buyers, and community partnerships that can strengthen the business case for productive land.

Final Thoughts

North Carolina land can be a good investment when you match the property to a clear thesis—development upside near growth corridors, long-term holds in constrained geographies, or income-adjacent rural land tied to a durable farm economy. The state’s scale in agriculture, recent regional land value increases, and expanding local-food infrastructure all support the case for long-run demand.

Still, land rewards patience and preparation. Run due diligence aggressively, model carrying costs conservatively, confirm zoning and access in writing, and choose an exit strategy before you close.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kinds of land are best for investment in North Carolina?

Many investors focus on (1) parcels near expanding metros for future development, (2) tracts with existing access and utilities for near-term buildability, and (3) productive farmland or multi-use rural land that can support leases, recreation, or long-hold appreciation.

Is farmland a meaningful part of North Carolina’s economy?

Yes. North Carolina’s 42,817 farmers use 8.1 million acres across more than 80 commodities, according to the NC State Center for Environmental Farming Systems. In 2024, crops represented $4,735,398 thousand (30.3%) and hogs represented $2,656,721 thousand (17.0%) of farm cash receipts, per USDA NASS North Carolina Agricultural Statistics.

What are recent indicators for land values in the region?

In the Appalachian region (including North Carolina), cropland values increased 6.5% to $5,950 per acre in 2025 and pastureland values increased 7.7% to $4,680 per acre in 2025, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.

What risks come with buying North Carolina land?

Key risks include low or no cash flow, carrying costs, longer resale timelines, zoning or regulatory changes, and environmental or site constraints. Mitigate these with rigorous due diligence, a realistic budget, and an exit plan tailored to the parcel’s highest-probability use.

How can land investors connect to local demand beyond development?

Programs that strengthen local supply chains can support farm viability and land utility. In 2024, FarmsSHARE connected 217 local farms, 16 food hubs, and 117 community-based organizations and distributed more than 72,000 healthy meals, and 89.2% of participating farmers reported hiring additional staff, according to Health Affairs.