Short Answer: In Michigan, land prices range from roughly $1,500–$5,000 per acre for rural or recreational land, $4,000–$7,000 for farmland, $10,000–$50,000+ for residential lots, and much higher for lakefront or urban parcels, depending on county, access, and zoning.
If you're wondering how much an acre of land in the Wolverine State costs, you're probably finding mixed answers.
Prices can vary widely depending on location, land type, and whether or not utilities or road access are available. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding the local land market is the first step toward making a smart move.
At Sell Land Cash, we help landowners navigate these decisions daily. Here's what you need to know about land prices across Michigan and what factors influence land value.
Average Price of an Acre of Land in Michigan (2026)
As of early 2024, here’s a snapshot of what you might expect to pay (or receive) for an acre in Michigan:
Land Type | Statewide Average Price/Acre |
|---|---|
Agricultural Land | $4,000 - $6,500 |
Recreational/Vacant | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Residential Lots | $10,000 - $30,000+ |
Commercial Land | $50,000 and up |
Timberland/Wooded | $3,000 - $7,000 |
These numbers are general estimates and can vary considerably depending on the county, road access, proximity to cities or lakes, and zoning.
Michigan Land Prices by Region or County
Michigan is a big state, and prices shift a lot between the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and lower peninsular counties. Here's how prices break down by area:
Southeast Michigan (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb Counties)
- Residential plots near Detroit or suburban areas can go for $20,000 - $50,000 per acre.
- Vacant land further out, even within the same counties, might only fetch $5,000 - $15,000 per acre.
- MLS shows an average list price per acre of over $100k/acre in Ann Arbor listings. University + high-income job base + tight supply tends to keep values elevated.
Northern Lower Peninsula (Cheboygan, Alpena, Otsego)
- Wooded or recreational parcels usually range from $2,000 to $5,000 per acre.
- Rural tracts with road access could land around $3,000 an acre.
West Michigan (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon Counties)
- Farm or agricultural land sells for $4,000 - $7,000 per acre depending on soil and access.
- Lots in growing areas around Grand Rapids can get up to $50,000+ per acre in some new housing developments.
Upper Peninsula (Marquette, Delta, Houghton)
- Often the cheapest land in the state, typically around $1,500 - $3,000 an acre.
- However, large parcels used for timber or recreation can be worth more if marketed correctly.
Great Lakes & Lakefront Land Values (Frontage Matters)
- Average waterfront land (entire state): ~$450,000–$500,000 per parcel on average.
- Lakefront Land (Great Lakes / Larger Lakes): ~$30,000–$37,000 per acre
When you’re pricing waterfront or lake frontage land in Michigan, the price per acre is only part of the story, especially on the Great Lakes.
Lakefront parcels are often compared by shoreline frontage (linear feet) because a large acreage tract can still have limited usable shoreline, while a smaller parcel with a clean, buildable shoreline can command a premium.
In general, waterfrontage tends to price higher per frontage foot than many inland lakes because it’s rarer, offers bigger views, and is tied to strong recreational and tourism demand.
That said, not all “waterfront” is equal.
Pricing swings widely based on shoreline type (sandy beach vs. rock vs. wetland), topography/buildability (flat building bench vs. steep bluff), utilities and road access, and nearby demand drivers (popular towns, marinas, rental rules).
A major Michigan-specific factor is erosion risk and setbacks; some Great Lakes parcels fall within regulated erosion areas, which can reduce the buildable area and change the land’s “true” value.
What Factors Affect the Land Values in Michigan?
Not all acres are created equal. Here's what can drastically impact what your land is worth:
- Zoning: Residential and commercial land often sells for more than recreational or agricultural.
- Access: A landlocked parcel without road access will be worth far less.
- Utilities: Electricity, water, and sewer hookups are a huge plus.
- Location: Proximity to cities, highways, and lakes drives up prices.
Want to Sell Your Michigan Land Fast?
If you own land in Michigan and want to sell it quickly, without listing it for months or paying realtor fees, Sell Land Cash can help. We provide fair, no-obligation offers on all types of land, and we buy as-is.
Learn more about selling land in Michigan for cash, no matter its condition or location.
Common Types of Land We Buy in Michigan
- Inherited land with unclear titles
- Vacant land with or without access
- Agricultural and farmland with or without crops
- Recreational parcels near lakes or forests
- Tax-delinquent land or land with liens that owners want to offload quickly
Check out our guides here you have a land parcel with ownership issues.
How to Get the Best Price When Selling Your Land
Michigan's land market is active, but if you're not prepared, you could leave money on the table. Here's what we recommend:
- Know your zoning and parcel data – County tax records help here.
- Understand access and utilities – A parcel with no access is harder to sell.
- Avoid common pitfalls – You can check out our guide on the mistakes to avoid when selling land.
- Consider a cash buyer – It speeds up the process and removes agent fees.
If you're thinking of listing online or through a broker, review our guide on how to sell land effectively to avoid setbacks.
Should I Sell Now or Wait?
If you want to put your land for sale, here's a quick decision path:
Market trends suggest that rural land in Michigan is in mild demand, especially recreational and smaller acreage near urban expansion zones. If you're holding out for the perfect buyer, you may wait months. If you're leaning toward a fast cash sale, current prices are fair, especially for ready-to-sell parcels.
Final Thoughts: Michigan Land Market in Perspective
Whether you're looking to value a property, invest, or cash out, knowing how much 1 acre of land in Michigan costs is essential. Prices vary depending on your county, access, and land use—but with the right partner, you can sell quickly and confidently.
If you're ready to move forward, request a free offer with no obligation. At Sell Land Cash, we make the process easy and transparent—giving Michigan landowners a stress-free path from offer to closing.
Have land sitting idle? Turn it into cash faster than you thought possible. Reach out today.