How Much Is an Acre of Land in Kansas?

Land value in Kansas is not a fixed figure but a dynamic metric influenced by various factors and evolving market conditions. The price of an acre varies considerably across the state, reflecting diverse uses, regional characteristics, and economic trends. Understanding these elements provides insight into Kansas real estate values.

Key Factors Influencing Land Value

A property’s location significantly impacts its value. Land near urban centers, major transportation networks, or developed infrastructure commands higher prices due to increased demand for development. Rural land, while often less expensive, is influenced by proximity to agricultural markets and essential services.

Different land use types affect prices. Agricultural land, such as dry cropland, irrigated cropland, or pastureland, is valued for its productive capacity and soil quality. Recreational land, like hunting properties or tracts with natural water features, is valued for wildlife populations and aesthetic appeal. Land with potential for future residential or commercial development often fetches higher per-acre costs, reflecting its alternative use.

The availability of essential utilities and access points directly affects land desirability and market price. Parcels with existing road access, water, electricity, and internet connections are more valuable than those requiring significant infrastructure investment. Water rights are important, especially in arid western regions, as they influence agricultural productivity and overall value.

Soil quality and topography are important for agricultural properties. Highly fertile soils with good drainage support greater crop yields and are more valuable. Flat or gently rolling terrains are easier to cultivate and develop, which can enhance their market price compared to steeply sloped or irregular parcels.

Local zoning ordinances and regulatory frameworks determine land use. These regulations define permissible uses, density, and development standards, influencing a property’s highest economic use. Environmental regulations or conservation easements can impose restrictions that limit development potential and affect market value.

Broader market conditions, including general economic health, prevailing interest rates, and commodity prices, affect land valuation. A robust agricultural economy, strong commodity prices, or increased investor demand can lead to higher land prices. Conversely, rising interest rates can make land purchases more expensive, cooling the market. Local supply and demand dynamics within specific real estate markets contribute to these price fluctuations.

Average Land Values Across Kansas

Kansas land values exhibit variations depending on land type and geographical location. In 2024, the overall average value for farm real estate, including land and structures, was approximately $2,970 per acre, marking an 8% increase from the previous year.

For agricultural land, cropland values averaged $3,300 per acre in 2024. Dryland cropland was valued at about $3,200 per acre, while irrigated cropland averaged $4,460 per acre. Pastureland averaged $2,100 per acre in 2024. These figures indicate a steady appreciation in land values, with dryland crop ground experiencing a 62% increase from 2019 to 2023, reaching $3,320 per acre, and irrigated cropland rising 41% to $4,700 per acre during the same period. Pasture values also saw a significant 54% increase, reaching $2,250 per acre by 2023.

Regional differences within Kansas significantly influence these averages. Eastern Kansas, characterized by higher rainfall, more fertile soils, and proximity to major population centers, generally has higher land values due to diverse agricultural opportunities and development pressure. The northeast region, in particular, saw a 16% increase in non-irrigated land values, averaging $7,479 per acre in 2024, making it the area with the highest average value and fastest growth in the state.

Central Kansas features a mix of cropland and pasture, with values reflecting its agricultural productivity. Western Kansas, being drier and more reliant on irrigation for crop production, often presents lower per-acre costs for agricultural land. However, even in the southwest, land values can range from $5,630 per acre for dry cropland to $16,030 per acre for irrigated land in areas near urban centers like Wichita. These values are general averages, and individual property values may vary.

Accessing Current Land Price Information

Consulting real estate professionals specializing in rural or agricultural properties in Kansas is a practical approach to obtain current land price information. These agents have access to recent sales data and market insights, enabling them to provide accurate valuations for specific parcels. They frequently perform comparative market analyses based on recent transactions involving similar properties.

Online listing platforms, both those dedicated to land sales and general real estate websites, offer a view of properties currently on the market with their asking prices. While these listed prices represent seller expectations rather than final sale amounts, they provide a preliminary understanding of current market offerings. Many platforms allow users to refine searches by location, land type, and acreage, which can be useful for initial research.

Public records, such as those maintained by county appraisal districts, can provide historical assessed values. These records offer a baseline for valuation, although it is important to recognize that assessed values are primarily for tax purposes and may not always reflect a property’s current market value, as they are updated periodically rather than continuously.

For a precise and authoritative valuation, particularly for significant transactions like purchases, sales, or financing, obtaining a professional land appraisal is recommended. Certified appraisers conduct thorough analyses, considering all relevant factors, recent comparable sales, and specific property characteristics to determine a fair market value. This detailed report offers a defensible valuation for various financial or legal requirements.