How Much Is Land Per Acre in Minnesota?

Land value per acre in Minnesota varies significantly across the state. Understanding this variability is important for anyone considering purchasing land, whether for agricultural, residential, or recreational purposes. Land prices are a dynamic reflection of characteristics inherent to the land and its environment, influenced by market conditions, property attributes, and broader economic trends. A single, universal price per acre is impossible to determine.

Key Factors Determining Land Value

Land value in Minnesota is shaped by many factors, with location often being the primary determinant. Parcels closer to major metropolitan areas like Minneapolis and Saint Paul command higher prices than rural land. This proximity influences accessibility to amenities, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. Transportation access, school districts, and community features further impact these values.

Beyond geographical placement, intended use and zoning regulations play a significant role in valuation. Land zoned for commercial or residential development sells for more per acre than raw vacant land or agricultural fields, reflecting its potential for higher economic activity. Zoning ordinances dictate permissible uses and development density, affecting market appeal. The availability of utilities, such as water, sewer, and electricity, also influences development potential and land value.

Physical characteristics also impact land worth. For agricultural land, soil quality is a particularly important factor, often assessed using the Crop Productivity Index (CPI), which rates soil potential for intensive crop production. Higher CPI ratings correlate with higher land values.

Topography, including drainage and elevation, affects usability and development costs. Parcel size also matters, as smaller subdivided lots often sell for a higher price per acre than larger tracts. Direct road frontage and ease of access enhance a property’s value, while landlocked parcels sell for less due to access limitations.

Land Values Across Minnesota

Land values in Minnesota reflect the state’s diverse geography and economic activities. Agricultural land, a significant portion of the state’s acreage, averaged $7,000 per acre in 2025 according to USDA reports. Specific sales can exceed these averages. Monthly auction data for tillable farmland in 2024 indicated average prices ranging from approximately $6,507 per acre in July to $11,336 per acre in March, with some high-quality parcels selling for as much as $14,600 per acre.

Regional variations exist within agricultural land. High-quality farmland in Southern Minnesota attracts premium prices, while values in some areas have leveled off. High-yield, well-situated cropland in Northern Minnesota has seen strong demand. The value of agricultural land is closely tied to its productive capacity, influenced by soil quality and crop yields, with properties featuring strong productivity drawing higher prices.

Recreational land values vary, ranging from $10,000 to over $50,000 per acre, depending on location, access to water bodies, and amenities. Properties near popular recreational areas, such as those around Pine River or in eastern Stearns County, can achieve prices comparable to or exceeding some cropland values, especially for wooded acreage suitable for hunting or rural retreats. Northern Minnesota counties like Aitkin, Cass, and Itasca are sought after for hunting land investments, offering diverse habitats.

Residential land prices demonstrate disparities. Urban and suburban lots near the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area can command prices upwards of $250,000 per acre, reflecting the high demand for housing and development in these densely populated regions. In contrast, larger rural acreage properties, suitable for residential development but outside immediate metro influence, align more closely with agricultural land values. The median price per acre for land listings across Minnesota can fluctuate widely based on the mix of property types available in the market.

Finding Current Land Price Information

Several resources are available to find land price information in Minnesota. County assessor’s offices serve as a primary source, maintaining assessment records and sales data for properties within their jurisdiction. These offices provide public access to information searchable by owner’s name, property address, or parcel number. While most information is publicly available, some data may be protected under privacy laws.

Real estate websites specializing in land sales offer listings and search capabilities. Platforms such as Lands of America, Land Watch, Realtor.com, Zillow, and Redfin allow users to filter properties by acreage, price, location, and intended use. These online portals include aerial maps and property details for preliminary research. Remember that listed prices are asking prices, and actual sale prices may differ.

For agricultural land values, the University of Minnesota Extension provides resources, including reports on historical land values and sales data. These reports offer insights into market trends and factors influencing farmland prices across different regions of the state. Such data, often compiled in partnership with entities like the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, can offer an informed perspective on agricultural land markets.

For specific parcel valuations, professional appraisal services provide assessment. Appraisers possess expertise in local markets and analyze property characteristics, zoning regulations, and comparable sales to determine market value. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Revenue oversees county tax officials and offers resources related to property tax information, which can include estimated market values used for assessment purposes.