Top Utah Counties to Buy Land in 2026

Utah’s landscapes still stop people in their tracks—from the Wasatch Range to southern Utah’s red rock country. But in 2026, the bigger story for land buyers is momentum: strong demand, limited buildable supply, and a market that continues to reprice both housing and acreage across the state.

Statewide housing pressure helps explain why more buyers are looking at land as an alternative to existing homes. Utah ranked as the 9th most expensive housing market in the country in 2024, and the statewide median sales price of a single-family home reached $547,700 in Q4 2024, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

Meanwhile, activity remains high. Home sales statewide hit 37,641 homes in 2024—up 7%—and nearly 18% of all home sales were cash purchases (6,724 homes), also reported by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. That combination—rising prices, steady volume, and meaningful cash participation—often pushes buyers to consider vacant land, small acreage, and build-ready parcels.

On the agricultural side, Utah land values continue to climb. Farm real estate values in Utah jumped approximately 8.6% from 2023 to 2024, according to Swan Land Company. National benchmarks show the same inflationary tailwind: the United States pasture value averaged $1,920 per acre, an increase of $90 per acre (4.9 percent) from 2024, per the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Utah’s working-land economy adds another layer of demand—especially in counties where irrigated ground, water access, and soil quality matter. Total hay acres in Utah were approximately 1.4 million acres, with sales accounting for approximately $800 million dollars, according to the Utah State Government - 2025 Report to the Farmland Advisory Committee.

So where should you buy? The “best” county depends on your goals—primary residence, recreation, small-scale agriculture, or long-term investment. Below are several of Utah’s strongest counties for land buyers today, with practical pros, tradeoffs, and local areas to watch.

Utah County: Silicon Slopes Growth With Still-Expanding Edges

Utah County remains one of the clearest examples of Utah’s growth story: a thriving job market, constant in-migration, and a steady conversion of open land into neighborhoods. If you want proximity to tech, universities, and Salt Lake City access—while still having options for larger parcels—Utah County belongs on your shortlist.

Why land buyers target Utah County

• Economic gravity: Tech and professional services continue to anchor demand, especially along the I-15 corridor.
• Lifestyle variety: Mountain access, Utah Lake recreation, and year-round trail systems drive owner-user interest.
• Growth signals you can measure: Eagle Mountain issued building permits for 1,556 residential units in 2024 (the highest level of any Utah city), and Saratoga Springs issued permits for 1,354 residential units in 2024 (second in Utah), according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. Those numbers reflect where builders—and future infrastructure—are concentrating.

What to watch out for

• Rising entry costs: As Utah’s housing market remains expensive, land near utilities and commuter routes rarely feels “cheap.”
• Less elbow room over time: Rapid development can reduce privacy and push true acreage farther from services.

Areas to explore in Utah County

• Eagle Mountain: A growth leader with permitting scale that signals continued buildout (1,556 residential units permitted in 2024 per the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute).
• Saratoga Springs: Strong demand and lake access—plus major building activity (1,354 residential units permitted in 2024 per the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute).
• Santaquin: A southern Utah County option that can offer more space while keeping you connected to the metro economy.

Washington County: Desert Living, Tourism Demand, and Long-Term Appeal

Washington County blends lifestyle and market fundamentals. St. George continues to attract retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers—while Zion and the region’s year-round recreation create persistent demand for short-term rental areas (where allowed) and recreational parcels.

Why you might buy land here

• Climate and recreation: Mild winters and constant outdoor access appeal to full-time and seasonal buyers.
• Tourism-driven economy: Visitor traffic supports local services, hospitality jobs, and long-term demand for housing.
• Relative value vs. the Wasatch Front: Depending on the submarket, you can still find better price-per-acre than core northern Utah.

What to watch out for

• Water realities: Verify water availability, connection fees, and any HOA or municipal limitations before you buy.
• Heat and terrain constraints: Grading, drainage, and building costs can rise quickly on desert lots.

Areas to explore in Washington County

• Hurricane: Often a value-oriented alternative with strong access to recreation corridors.
• Ivins: Known for striking scenery and higher-end custom-home demand.
• Apple Valley: A quieter option for buyers who prioritize space and distance from the city core.

Summit County: Premium Mountain Land With Tight Supply

Summit County—anchored by Park City—remains one of Utah’s most recognizable mountain markets. It’s also one of the most supply-constrained, which can support long-term value for well-located parcels with build potential.

Why buyers pay attention to Summit County

• Year-round destination demand: Skiing, events, and summer recreation drive consistent interest.
• Proximity to Salt Lake City: Many buyers want a mountain lifestyle without giving up airport and metro access.
• Scarcity value: Buildable land near resort amenities is limited, supporting price resilience.

What to watch out for

• Sticker shock: Premium locations can price out even experienced investors.
• Complex approvals: HOAs, design guidelines, and environmental constraints can add time and cost.

Areas to explore in Summit County

• Kamas Valley: A strong option for buyers seeking more acreage and a rural feel.
• Wanship: Often considered for larger parcels and privacy.
• Coalville: A practical choice for buyers who want Summit County access with a more small-town footprint.

Cache County: Productive Ground, University Energy, and Real Working-Land Demand

Cache County blends education, agriculture, and outdoor access—often with a lower price point than Utah County or Salt Lake County. If you’re considering hobby farming, hay ground, or simply want a community with strong local identity, Cache County stands out.

Why it works for land buyers

• University stability: Utah State University supports employment, rentals, and long-term housing demand.
• Agricultural fundamentals: Utah’s agricultural economy remains meaningful; statewide, total hay acres were approximately 1.4 million acres and sales accounted for approximately $800 million dollars, according to the Utah State Government - 2025 Report to the Farmland Advisory Committee. That scale reinforces the value of productive land in northern Utah.
• Outdoor quality of life: Mountains, valleys, and four-season recreation support owner-user demand.

What to watch out for

• Winter conditions: Snow and cold can affect access, building timelines, and maintenance.
• Distance from major hubs: Travel time to Salt Lake amenities and airports can matter depending on your plans.

Areas to explore in Cache County

• Smithfield: A growing community that still retains open-space character.
• Paradise: Rural views and a slower pace for buyers prioritizing land over nightlife.
• Wellsville: Often favored for scenic foothill settings and pastoral parcels.

Iron County: Value-Driven Acreage With Recreation Access

Iron County, centered around Cedar City, offers a compelling mix of affordability, access to public lands, and small-city amenities. Buyers often come here when they want more land per dollar while still staying within reach of southern Utah’s recreation economy.

Why you might buy in Iron County

• More attainable entry points: Compared to many Wasatch Front submarkets, Iron County can offer better value for acreage.
• Outdoor proximity: National forests, high-elevation escapes, and southern Utah road-trip access make it ideal for recreation-focused purchases.
• Cultural infrastructure: The arts scene and events help support a stable local identity beyond tourism.

What to watch out for

• Narrower job market: If you need a deep employment base, verify commute and industry options.
• Logistics: Some parcels may require more planning for utilities, access roads, and snow considerations at elevation.

Areas to explore in Iron County

• Cedar Valley: Often considered for space, views, and small-scale rural living.
• Parowan: A historic option that can align well with affordability goals.
• Brian Head: Higher-elevation mountain living that can feel like a value alternative to more famous resort counties.

Key Factors to Evaluate Before You Buy Utah Land

Great views won’t fix a bad land deal. Use these fundamentals to evaluate any county or parcel before you commit.

1. Water rights and water access: In many Utah markets, water can be the limiting factor. Confirm what conveys, what must be purchased separately, and what it costs to develop.
2. Zoning, subdivision rules, and allowed uses: Verify what you can build (and when). County rules can differ dramatically by area.
3. Utilities and road access: Price out power, septic, well drilling, impact fees, and any required road improvements.
4. Natural hazards: Assess wildfire risk, flood zones, slope stability, and winter access—especially in mountain or high desert parcels.
5. Exit strategy and holding time: Land often requires patience. Your plan should match the parcel’s realistic liquidity.

Final Thoughts

Utah remains a compelling place to buy land, but today’s buyers need sharper strategy than ever. Utah’s housing market stayed expensive in 2024—ranking 9th nationally—and the median single-family home price reached $547,700 in Q4 2024, per the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. Sales volume also rose to 37,641 homes (up 7%), and nearly 18% of sales were cash purchases (6,724 homes), also from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

Those conditions matter because they shape land demand—especially in fast-building areas like Utah County, where Eagle Mountain (1,556 permitted residential units in 2024) and Saratoga Springs (1,354 permitted units in 2024) led the state in permitting, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

And land values aren’t standing still. Farm real estate values in Utah rose approximately 8.6% from 2023 to 2024, according to Swan Land Company. Nationally, pasture value averaged $1,920 per acre—up $90 per acre (4.9%) from 2024—per the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Add the scale of Utah’s hay economy (about 1.4 million hay acres and approximately $800 million in sales), as reported in the Utah State Government - 2025 Report to the Farmland Advisory Committee, and it’s clear why productive ground and buildable lots both attract serious attention.

The right county depends on what you value most: growth and commute access (Utah County), desert lifestyle and tourism demand (Washington County), premium mountain scarcity (Summit County), working-land fundamentals (Cache County), or value-driven acreage (Iron County). Take your time, verify water and zoning early, and choose a parcel that matches how you want to use the land—now and years from now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does land typically cost in Utah?

Utah land prices vary widely by county, zoning, water availability, and proximity to utilities. In general, parcels near the Wasatch Front and resort markets cost more, while remote rural acreage can cost less—but may require significant investment for access, power, wells, or septic.

Do I need water rights when buying land in Utah?

Often, yes—especially for agriculture, new construction, or any plan involving irrigation. Always confirm what water rights convey with the property (if any), and verify the practical ability to use the water based on local rules and infrastructure.

How long does it usually take to sell land in Utah?

Land typically takes longer to sell than a home. Timing depends on buildability, pricing, access to utilities, and local demand. Parcels with clear development potential and strong access generally move faster than remote lots with uncertain feasibility.

Are there restrictions on building on raw land in Utah?

Yes. Restrictions can include zoning limitations, minimum lot sizes, setbacks, access requirements, wildfire building standards, and HOA rules. Confirm requirements with the county or city planning department before you buy.

Is it a good investment to buy land in Utah?

It can be, but outcomes depend on location, water, zoning, and your holding period. Utah’s ongoing housing pressure and rising land values—such as the approximately 8.6% increase in farm real estate values from 2023 to 2024 reported by Swan Land Company—suggest strong demand, but you still need a clear plan for costs, approvals, and resale.