How Much Is an Acre of Land Worth in Virginia? Prices, Trends & Insights

Thinking of buying or selling a piece of land in Virginia? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re eyeing a quiet countryside parcel for a future home, evaluating farmland prices, or trying to offload inherited property, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much is an acre of land in Virginia?

Unfortunately, this question doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer.

Land values fluctuate widely depending on location, land type, local zoning, and market conditions. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that affect the cost of land in VA, provide current per-acre estimates, and help you better understand Virginia’s land market.

The Average Cost of an Acre of Land in Virginia

According to multiple real estate sources, including MLS listings and market aggregators, the average cost per acre in Virginia ranges from $3,000 to over $200,000/acre, depending on location and type of land.

To put this in perspective:

This means some larger properties within rural counties cost less for 10 acres than a one-acre parcel in Fairfax County or Loudoun County.

Factors That Affect Land Prices Per Acre in Virginia

The price per acre isn’t just about how much land you're getting – it's also about what you can do with it. Here are the main elements determining land value:

1. Location

• Northern Virginia and proximity to Washington D.C drive up land prices.
• Richmond and Virginia Beach have premium prices due to demand for residential development and commercial use.
• Remote, rural properties can be significantly more affordable.

2. Zoning and Land Use Type

There are several types of land that impact the market price:

• Residential development lots in urban areas cost the most.
• Agricultural land, pasture land, or timber land have moderate prices.
• Raw land without road access or infrastructure is among the least expensive.

3. Utilities and Access

Parcels that:

• Have road access
• Are zoned for multiple uses
• Can access all utilities

...are far more valuable than remote parcels with limited infrastructure.

4. Land Size and Parcel Shape

Larger tracts like 10 acres or 20 acres might cost less per acre than a prime 1 acre residential lot due to economies of scale.

5. Market Conditions and Demand

The Virginia land market reflects both local and national trends. In recent years, demand for rural parcels, especially for recreational use or small-scale farming, has grown, increasing land prices in certain areas.

Typical Prices for Different Land Types Across Virginia

While every property is unique, here’s a general view of land price by land type across the state:

Residential Lots

• Urban/Suburban Areas: $50,000 to $300,000+ for 1 acre
• Subdivided residential parcels: Often cost more per acre due to proximity to schools, infrastructure, and population hubs

Here's a guide if you have a residential lot that you want to sell to a neighbor.

Agricultural Land (Farmland)

• Virginia farmland is priced around $4,000 to $10,000/acre, with farmland prices peaking near Richmond and Central Virginia.
• Pasture land in southern Virginia may go for even less.

Recreational and Hunting Land

Prices vary by location but typically sit in the range of $3,000 to $8,000/acre

Waterfront Properties

Waterfront land along rivers, lakes, or the Chesapeake Bay commands premium prices, commonly $25,000 to $150,000+ per acre.

If you’re browsing land for sale across Virginia, you’ll likely see wide price variations even within the same county, based on zoning, road access, terrain, and nearby development.

Snapshot: Current Land Prices in Key Virginia Regions

Here’s a closer look at popular areas for land ownership:

Fairfax County & Loudoun County (Northern Virginia)

• Dramatically higher land costs due to limited supply and proximity to major metropolitan areas
• 1 acre parcel here may start at $200,000 or more, especially near major corridors

Central Virginia & Richmond Area

• Land suited for residential or agricultural land use typically ranges from $8,000 to $25,000 per acre
• Listings close to urban development zones are more competitive

Shenandoah Valley

• Offers a mix of farmland, timber land, and recreational land
• Average acreage sells for $6,000 to $18,000/acre depending on location and access

Coastal Areas - Virginia Beach and Surrounding Regions

• Waterfront properties demand higher prices, reaching $80,000+ per acre
• Inland land properties cost significantly less but are rising along transportation routes

Rural Southwest Virginia

Some of the most affordable land is here, with 10 acres often listed for under $60,000/acre. Here's a guide on how to sell lots in the middle of nowhere.

Virginia’s Land Market Trends

The Virginia land market reflects a larger nationwide trend: increased interest in raw and recreational land. With remote work, self-sufficiency, and outdoor living gaining appeal, parcels once overlooked are now in demand.

Here’s what’s shaping the market:

• Demand for rural parcels near the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley
• Growth in homesteading and hobby farming
• Pressure on affordable land supply in developed counties
• Zoning policy shifts and infrastructure expansion influencing the land worth in Virginia

Understanding local market dynamics is key when considering a sale or purchase.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell Land in VA?

If you're looking to buy land, there are still deal zones available across rural land in southern and western Virginia. But expect land costs to continue rising in hot zones like northern Virginia, Richmond suburbs, and coastal cities.

If you're looking to sell, especially unwanted, inherited, or underused acre parcels, now is a good time. Many land transactions are closing quickly with motivated buyers and cash-ready investors.

Estimating the Value of Your Virginia Land For Sale

Still wondering, “What is an acre of land worth where I live?” It depends on several details:

• Is it in a growing town?
• Does it have utilities?
• What’s the zone type?
• Is it wooded or cleared?
• How close is it to highways or schools?

It’s wise to review recently sold properties for sale nearby for a rough estimate, but remember those numbers are often the final listing price - negotiation and easement rights can affect actual sale value.

To avoid guesswork, a local appraiser or experienced land buyer can assess property features like:

• Parcel shape
• Access to roads/utilities
• Sale restrictions or easements
• Market history and competition

What You Should Know Before Selling Your Virginia Land

If you're considering selling land in VA, make sure you’re prepared. While listing on the MLS is a traditional option, many landowners prefer a faster, cash-based alternative.

At Sell Land Cash, we help Virginia landowners sell as-is, in any condition. We specialize in everything from raw land and agricultural land to inherited parcels and lots with utility access issues. There's no need to deal with agents, listing fees, or drawn-out negotiations.

Want to learn more about how the process works? Check out our guide on how to sell land or explore the mistakes to avoid when selling land.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Acre's Worth

As you’ve seen, it depends on where it is, what kind of land it is, and what the market's doing. Whether you're holding onto 1 acre, 10 acres, or even 20 acres, understanding land worth in Virginia is essential for making smart choices.

To recap:

• Rural properties remain the most affordable.
• Price per acre can range from $3,000 to over $200,000.
• Utility access, location, zoning, and market demand shape values.
• Selling? Companies like ours can provide a fast, no-hassle way to turn land into cash.

As with all real estate investments, stay informed and understand local market dynamics before making a move. If you have land you no longer need or use, now may be the perfect time to explore your land opportunities.

Want help? We’re here when you're ready.