When you hear the word "acre," what comes to mind? For many, it's a unit of land measurement that sounds big but isn't always easy to visualize. Whether you're considering buying land, farming, or just curious, understanding what an acre really is can be helpful. But what does owning an acre of land mean? And how much does it cost? This guide will break down everything you need to know about an acre of land, from its size to its cost.
What is an acre?
An acre is a standard unit of measurement used in the United States and other countries to quantify land area. The term originated in the Middle Ages, when an acre was the amount of land that a yoke of oxen could plow in one day. Over time, it became standardized to ensure consistency in land measurement. In more precise terms, an acre is defined as 43,560 square feet. It can be any shape—square, rectangle, or even a long, thin strip—as long as the total area equals 43,560 square feet.
How big is an acre?
To visualize an acre of land, think of a standard American football field. Excluding the end zones, a football field is about 1.32 acres. This means an acre is slightly smaller than a full football field. If you're more familiar with city spaces, think of a typical urban block. In many U.S. cities, an acre would cover roughly half of a city block.
How can I measure my parcel or lot?
If you're wondering how to measure your land to see if it adds up to an acre, here are a few simple methods:
- Use a tape measure: Measure the length and width of your land in feet. Multiply these two numbers together to get the total square footage. If it equals 43,560 square feet, you have an acre. For example, if your lot is 200 feet by 217.8 feet, it equals one acre.
- Property plat maps: A property plat map shows how land is divided, including the size and boundaries of each lot. You can usually find these maps at your local county assessor’s office or city hall. Or, you can utilize AcreValue to access plat maps for free online.
- Hire a professional surveyor: Consider hiring a professional surveyor. They can give you an official land survey that precisely outlines the size and boundaries of your lot.
Tools for precise evaluation
If you want to accurately assess property boundaries, having the right tools is a must. Here are some handy resources that can help you measure land with precision:
- Google earth: Utilize satellite imagery and measurement tools to view your property from above and measure distances with precision.
- AcreValue: Utilize parcel maps with comprehensive land data to view and measure any parcel or lot in the lower 48. This service also provides a custom boundary feature if you need to measure specific areas.
How much does an acre of land cost?
The cost of an acre of land varies widely depending on location, use, and market conditions. For example, from Q3 of 2021- Q2 of 2024, the average sales prices per acre in the United States was $4,688. Here's how you can get an idea of acreage prices in your area:
- Check Real Estate Listings: Websites like Land.com, Homes.com, and AcreValue often list properties by the acre. Search for land in your desired area and compare prices.
- Talk to a Local Real Estate Agent: Real estate agents with experience in land sales can provide insights into local market trends and average prices per acre of land.
- Look at County Records: Some counties publish land sales and prices, giving you historical data to gauge how much land costs in a specific area.
- Consider the Land’s Use: Agricultural land typically costs less per acre than land zoned for residential or commercial use. The value can also vary based on the quality of the soil, access to water, and proximity to roads or cities.
What Factors Affect Land Value?
When considering the cost of an acre, it’s important to remember that price isn’t just about size. Several factors can dramatically influence how much land is worth, even for the same amount of acreage.
Some key factors include:
- Location: Land near cities, highways, or popular destinations tends to cost more than rural acreage.
- Zoning: Whether land is zoned for residential, agricultural, commercial, or industrial use will impact price.
- Soil Quality: For farming, soil type and productivity matter. AcreValue’s soil data can help assess this.
- Water Access: Land with water rights or access to irrigation may command higher prices.
- Topography: Flat land is often easier to build on, while hilly or rocky land can be cheaper but harder to develop.
- Utilities: Land that already has access to electricity, gas, or sewage tends to be more expensive.
Each of these factors can significantly change how much an acre costs, even within the same county.
How does land value change over time?
Land is a unique investment because it’s a finite resource. While the price of an acre varies by location, land often appreciates over time, especially in growing areas. That said, land prices are also influenced by economic conditions, interest rates, and demand for development.
Here’s what to consider about long-term value:
- Urban Growth: As cities expand, nearby land values usually rise.
- Market Cycles: Like all real estate, land goes through price cycles based on supply and demand.
- Infrastructure Projects: New roads, schools, or utilities can increase land value in an area.
- Agricultural Trends: Shifts in farming needs or commodity prices can impact rural land values.
How much land do you actually need?
An acre might sound like a lot, but whether it’s the right size for you depends on your goals. Are you buying land for recreation, farming, building a home, or as an investment? Each use case requires a different approach.
Consider these general guidelines:
- Building a Home: Many suburban lots are between 0.2 to 0.5 acres, but an acre gives you room for a house, yard, and privacy.
- Starting a Farm: Small-scale hobby farms can start with just 1–5 acres. For commercial farming, you’ll typically need much more.
- Recreation: An acre can be great for hunting cabins, camping, or creating a personal retreat.
- Investment: Even a single acre can be valuable if it’s in the path of future development.
Understanding your goals can help you decide if one acre is enough or if you should look for more land.
How can AcreValue help?
AcreValue offers tools that make land research easier. If you’re trying to understand the value of an acre or explore available parcels, AcreValue can help you:
- View Parcel Boundaries: See exact property lines and acreage for land.
- Research Sales History: Explore past sales data to understand market trends in specific areas.
- Analyze Soil and Land Use: Use map layers to check soil productivity, wetlands, land use and more.
Whether you’re buying your first acre or adding to an existing property, AcreValue provides the data you need to make informed decisions.