Utah draws land buyers from all over the American West thanks to its mix of desert land, mountain properties, growing cities, and rural farming areas.
But if you are trying to figure out how much an acre of land in Utah actually costs, the answer can feel confusing. Prices vary widely depending on location, terrain, water rights, access, and zoning.
This guide breaks down current prices in the Beehive State, explains why values shift so much between regions, and helps you understand what to expect when buying or selling acreage in Utah.
The Median Cost of an Acre in Utah Today
Utah’s land market is incredibly diverse. A single acre in Utah can cost a few hundred dollars in remote desert areas or several million dollars near ski resorts.
Based on recent market data and statewide surveys, the median price per acre in Utah typically falls between $3,000 and $35,000, but many properties sit well above or below this range depending on the region.
Why Acre Prices in Utah Vary So Widely
To understand why one acre of land may cost twenty times more than another acre in Utah, consider several key factors:
- Proximity to cities like Salt Lake City and Park City
- Whether the land is undeveloped or fully build ready
- Terrain, slope, and mountain views
- Zoning for residential, agricultural, ranch land, or recreational properties
- Whether water rights are included
- Easy access on a paved county road or a remote dirt track
- Nearby attractions like national parks, ski resorts, or national forest land
Water rights are crucial in Utah, and water availability significantly affects the value of any acre in Utah. If you plan to build a home in Utah or buy land for ranch use, check for rights early.
How Much Is an Acre of Land in Utah by Region?
Values change dramatically across the state. Below is a simplified look at common ranges:
Northern and Wasatch Front Regions
This includes Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, and Utah County. Urban and suburban acreage along the Wasatch Mountains can command premium prices because of demand, employment growth, and Utah’s rising cost of living.
Typical price ranges:
- Close to Salt Lake or Salt Lake City: $100,000 to over $1 million/acre
- Utah County, the fastest-growing county in the state: $50,000 to $400,000/acre
- Wasatch and mountain properties with world-class ski access: extremely high and often complicated by zoning limits
Central and Eastern Utah
Areas such as the heart of Ballard, the scenic east fork region, and properties near Ashley National Forest tend to be more affordable. Terrain here is a blend of forests, ranch land, and raw land.
Typical price ranges: $2,000 to $15,000/acre, depending on access and water rights
Southern Utah
Southern Utah is famous for red rock formations, national parks, outdoor recreation, and crisp mountain air at higher elevations. Prices vary from inexpensive desert land to high-value acreage near world-class recreation.
Typical price ranges:
- Remote desert land: $500 to $5,000/acre
- Rural properties near towns: $5,000 to $25,000/acre
Scenic parcels near hunting land or recreational properties: 10,000 to 75,000 dollars per acre or more
The Iron County area is filled with variety, from farmland in Utah to rugged recreational tracts ideal for cabins or camping.
Examples of Utah Acreage Listings and What Impacts Value
Below are hypothetical examples that reflect real market patterns:
- A 2.92-acre property sits outside a small UT 84714 community with a paved county road and easy access. Prices here often stay lower because the land is mostly undeveloped.
- A ten-acre parcel with large rock formations, homesteaded in 1910, might attract buyers looking for hunting land or privacy.
- An expansive 80-acre property in a rural land zone can remain affordable if it lacks water rights or the ability to develop.
- A small tract near Park City or ski resorts commands premium prices because location matters more than size.
Across the Beehive State, the ability to develop, access, and enjoy the land influences value more than acreage alone.
What Types of Utah Land Sell for the Most?
Some properties in Utah consistently land at the high end of the market:
- Mountain retreats with mountain views
- Properties from mountain retreats near ski areas
- Acreage near world-class resorts
- Land offers near national parks or a national forest
- New Utah properties close to major job hubs
- Ranch properties with strong water rights
- Recreational properties in highly scenic areas
- Utah offers world-class hunting acreage
Areas north and northwest of Salt Lake and those south and northeast near Park City remain especially competitive.
What Types of Land Sell for the Least?
More affordable land includes:
- Remote desert land with minimal access
- Undeveloped land far from utilities
- Raw land that lacks proven water sources
- Rural properties without a paved road
- Agricultural parcels far from cities
Still, even lower-priced land offers endless potential for camping retreats, tiny home projects, or simple land ownership.
Should You Sell Land in Utah Right Now?
The UT market continues to shift quickly. Many rural landowners sell because they no longer need the property, while buyers look for recreation, investment, or a future dream retreat.
If you want to sell land, compare pricing across different regions and watch how the land market evolves. If you want to sell, understand that undeveloped tracts, farmland, and ranch land often require specialized buyers.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to sell land in Utah.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Price of an Acre in Utah
Utah’s stunning landscapes create one of the most varied land markets in the country. From remote desert parcels to high-demand lots along the Wasatch, each acre carries its own value.
Whether you want to buy land, review prices in Utah, or find land for sale, knowing the factors that shape price per acre helps you make a confident decision.
Use the resources above to compare properties in Utah and explore land available across the state. If you are ready to sell or want guidance on a specific property, start by reviewing local prices and reaching out to a trusted land buyer who understands Utah’s unique terrain and trends.