How Much is an Acre of Land in North Carolina? 2025 Data

How much is an acre of land in North Carolina? Acre prices are ranging between $3,300 and $1,045,000, with a typical range of $15,000 to $75,000 per acre. These dramatic price variations reflect location, development potential, and parcel size – with urban and coastal properties commanding premium prices while rural counties offer exceptional value. Read on for our complete county-by-county guide to North Carolina land prices across different acreage sizes.

Key Takeaways:

• Land prices decrease predictably as parcel size increases, with 10+ acre tracts offering the best value per acre.
• Urban counties (Mecklenburg, Wake, Durham) and coastal areas (Dare, New Hanover) consistently command the highest prices regardless of acreage.
• Rural eastern counties offer the most affordable investment opportunities with prices under $10,000 per acre and solid appreciation rates.

Data Source: All land pricing data in this article was compiled from multiple real estate sources including Redfin, Zillow, and local MLS listings, with prices subject to change based on market conditions.

How Much is 1 Acre of Land in North Carolina?

North Carolina's small acreage market (0-2 acres) presents fascinating contrasts across its diverse landscape. Our comprehensive North Carolina land market analysis reveals dramatic price variations that reflect the state's unique geography and development patterns.

Key insights from our current market data:

• Extreme price variation: Prices range from $22,013 per acre in Lenoir County to a staggering $1,045,110 per acre in Hyde County
• Coastal premium: Waterfront counties command top dollar, with New Hanover ($928,571), Dare ($585,208), and Carteret ($369,661) leading the coastal markets
• Urban wealth effect: Metropolitan counties show premium pricing, with Mecklenburg ($439,073), Wake ($367,460), and Durham ($255,322) topping the urban markets
• Mountain appeal: Western NC mountain counties offer moderate pricing, averaging $50,000-$80,000 per acre for small parcels
• Investment hotspots: Wake County shows exceptional appreciation (15.4%), while Franklin County leads with 26.9% average land appreciation
• Market speed: Wilson County averages just 71 days on market, while Clay County listings typically sit for 330 days
• Buying opportunity: Many rural counties offer prices under $35,000 per acre with steady appreciation

Small acreage plots often command the highest per-acre prices due to development potential and accessibility. The table below provides comprehensive price data for small acreage (0-2 acres) across all North Carolina counties.

How Much is 5 Acres of Land in North Carolina?

When you step up to mid-sized parcels (2-5 acres), North Carolina land pricing follows different patterns than smaller lots. Our research reveals that while prices generally decrease per acre as parcel size increases, the range remains substantial—from under $9,000 to over $180,000 per acre depending on location, which is crucial information if you're looking to sell land in North Carolina.

Several factors drive these price variations:

• Urban premium persists: Mecklenburg ($181,637), Wake ($134,298), and Durham ($84,105) counties command top dollar due to development potential
• Coastal appeal moderates: Unlike smaller parcels, mid-sized coastal lots show more reasonable pricing with New Hanover ($166,653) and Dare ($76,642) leading but at lower premiums
• Investment hotspots emerge: Pitt County (15.9%), Franklin County (15.2%), and Wake County (12.4%) show exceptional appreciation rates
• Budget-friendly options abound: 32 counties offer land under $20,000 per acre, with Scotland County ($9,901) and Hyde County ($8,439) providing the most affordable opportunities
• Market velocity varies dramatically: Wilson County listings sell in just 131 days on average, while Clay County properties typically sit for 343 days
• Mountain values stabilize: Western NC counties offer moderate pricing between $20,000-$46,000 per acre, making them attractive for recreation and second homes

The 2-5 acre range often represents the "sweet spot" for many buyers—offering enough space for privacy and projects without the management challenges of larger acreage. The table below provides current price-per-acre data across North Carolina counties, helping you identify potential opportunities within your budget.

How Much is 10 Acres of Land in North Carolina?

As you move into larger acreage parcels (5-10 acres), North Carolina's land market reveals even more pronounced pricing patterns and investment opportunities. Our analysis shows that the economics of scale become increasingly evident at this size range, with median per-acre prices dropping significantly compared to smaller parcels while still maintaining dramatic regional variations.

Key insights from our 10-acre land market data:

• Dramatic price spectrum: Prices range from just $5,263 per acre in Washington County to $99,991 per acre in Mecklenburg County—a 19x difference
• Metro premium continues: Urban counties command top dollar with Mecklenburg ($99,991), New Hanover ($86,735), and Wake ($77,426) leading the market
• Extraordinary appreciation: Pitt County (17.9%), Granville County (14.1%), and Harnett County (12.0%) show remarkable growth potential
• Coastal correction: Most North Carolina coastal counties show steeper price drops at this acreage size, suggesting greater value opportunities for larger waterfront parcels
• Mountain value proposition: Western NC counties average $15,000-$25,000 per acre, making them increasingly attractive for recreational uses
• Bargain opportunities: 17 counties offer land under $10,000 per acre, with Washington County ($5,263) and Halifax County ($5,915) providing the most affordable entry points
• Market efficiency varies: Wilson County listings sell in just 41 days on average, while Tyrrell County properties typically wait 417 days for a buyer

At 10 acres, buyers typically find sufficient space for substantial agricultural projects, hobby farms, family compounds, or recreational uses—making these parcels particularly attractive for those looking to develop land in North Carolina. The table below details current per-acre pricing for 5-10 acre parcels across all North Carolina counties to help you identify the right opportunity for your land investment goals.

How Much is 20 Acres of Land in North Carolina?

When evaluating large acreage parcels (10-20 acres) in North Carolina, the economics of land ownership fundamentally change. Our comprehensive market analysis of this acreage class reveals significant value opportunities across the state, with continued but moderated regional price disparities reflecting true use potential rather than speculative development value.

Key findings from our 20-acre land market research:

• Extreme price spectrum continues: The gap between highest and lowest priced counties reaches 48x, with Mecklenburg ($159,744/acre) commanding nearly 50 times the value of Bertie County ($3,319/acre)
• Urban premium remains selective: Only five counties maintain per-acre prices above $30,000, with most metro-adjacent areas falling between $15,000-$25,000
• Exceptional appreciation hotspots: Caswell County (32.7%), Cabarrus County (23.3%), and Franklin County (20.7%) show remarkable investment potential
• Rural bargain opportunities: 21 counties offer land under $10,000 per acre, with Bertie, Hertford, and Robeson counties providing entry points below $5,000 per acre
• Varied market velocity: Jones County properties move quickly (81 days), while lengthy marketing times in Mecklenburg (379 days) and Tyrrell counties (417 days) suggest price sensitivity at the extremes
• Strong appreciation in affordable areas: Many counties priced under $15,000 per acre show 5%+ annual appreciation, suggesting investment potential in rural areas
• Reduced coastal premium: Waterfront counties show more moderate pricing, with Dare ($38,462) and Carteret ($25,000) offering relative value compared to smaller parcels

The 10-20 acre size range represents the sweet spot for many agricultural, recreational, and homestead uses, offering meaningful scale without overwhelming management requirements. The following table details current per-acre pricing across all North Carolina counties for this prime acreage class.

North Carolina's diverse land market offers something for every buyer, from premium urban and coastal properties to exceptional rural values with strong appreciation potential. Understanding these county-by-county price variations is essential for making informed land investments, whether you're seeking a small homesite or a substantial recreational or agricultural property.

For those interested in comparing markets, our Ohio land price per acre guide provides similar detailed analysis of another thriving Midwest market with its own unique pricing patterns and investment opportunities.