10 reasons why buying land in North Dakota still makes sense in 2026

North Dakota still feels like the American heartland—but today, it also looks like a smarter, data-backed land play. Between resilient agricultural income, expanding recreation demand, and measurable appreciation in cropland and pasture, the Peace Garden State offers room to breathe and real reasons to buy.

If you’re considering land as a long-term asset—whether for farming, leasing, recreation, or a future homestead—here are 10 reasons North Dakota continues to stand out.

1. Agriculture is a core engine, not a side story

North Dakota agriculture isn’t a trend—it’s a foundation. Crops like wheat, soybeans, corn, canola, and flax help power local communities and keep land productive year after year.

That production shows up in the numbers. In 2024, crop sales represented 80.3% of North Dakota’s average gross cash farm income of $1,121,551, according to North Dakota Farm Management Education.

2. Cropland values are rising—and the trend is measurable

North Dakota cropland has posted sustained appreciation, which is a key reason investors and operators continue to pay attention.

• In 2025, North Dakota cropland values increased 10.55%, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit increases, according to the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands Annual Land Survey.
• From 2022 to 2025, cropland values grew from $2,519 per acre to $3,534 per acre—a nearly 40% overall increase, per the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands Annual Land Survey.

3. Some regions are accelerating faster than the state average

Location matters, even in a wide-open state. If you’re looking for areas showing exceptional momentum, regional land data can help you narrow the search.

The North Red River Valley region saw a 22.1% increase in cropland values from 2024 to 2025—the highest among all regions—according to the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands Annual Land Survey.

4. You can still find compelling value per acre

North Dakota has appreciated, but it remains attractive for buyers who want productive acres without paying coastal-market premiums.

For a recent benchmark, the average farmland value per acre in North Dakota in 2024 was $3,241, according to Farmland Intel.

5. Real farm income supports real land demand

Land value growth is easier to understand when the underlying farm economy remains profitable.

The average net farm income in North Dakota for 2024 was $118,688, according to North Dakota Farm Management Education. For buyers who plan to operate, that matters. For buyers who plan to lease, it can influence tenant strength and long-term stability.

6. Cattle country is having a moment

If your goals include grazing, hay, or a cow-calf operation, North Dakota’s recent performance offers a compelling signal.

North Dakota cattle producers nearly doubled their beef cow-calf profits in 2024, with average net returns rising to $458.78 per cow from $236.98 in 2023, according to North Dakota Farm Management Education.

7. Pasture values are strengthening, too

Cropland isn’t the only part of the story. Quality pasture can support livestock income, recreational use, and diversified land strategies.

Pasture values in North Dakota improved 16.2% over the past 12 months entering 2026, according to AgCountry.

8. Cash rent yields have shifted—so you can plan with clearer expectations

Many land buyers care about income yield as much as appreciation. North Dakota’s land market has changed over the decades, and today’s rent dynamics reflect higher land prices.

North Dakota’s rent-to-value ratio in 2025 is 2.34%, down from 9–10% thirty-five years ago, according to the North Dakota Department of Trust Lands Annual Land Survey. That makes it even more important to buy with a strategy—operator use, strong tenant selection, improvements, or a long-term appreciation outlook.

9. Recreation land is real lifestyle value you can actually own

North Dakota land isn’t just an investment spreadsheet—it’s access. Many owners buy for hunting, fishing, hiking, or simply having space that doesn’t require reservations or crowds.

From the Badlands to prairie potholes, land can serve as your basecamp for whitetail, waterfowl, upland birds, trail riding, and winter sports. Even smaller parcels can deliver outsized lifestyle returns when they’re set up with the right access, cover, and nearby habitat.

10. Long-term ownership fits North Dakota’s strengths

North Dakota land tends to reward patient owners: productive acreage, stable rural communities, and multiple paths to value (operations, leasing, recreation, or future development near growing towns).

If you’re buying for the long haul, recent appreciation data and strengthening pasture values support the case. If you’re buying for income, understanding today’s rent-to-value environment helps you underwrite more realistically—and avoid assuming yesterday’s yields will return automatically.

Final thoughts

North Dakota offers a rare mix: practical land use, consistent agricultural relevance, and clearly documented value momentum. As always, do your homework before you close:

• Confirm zoning and permitted uses.
• Verify access, utilities, and water options.
• Review environmental factors, easements, and any existing leases.
• Evaluate the local market and timeline—land can take time to sell for top dollar.

If you need to sell faster instead of listing and waiting, you can also explore direct-sale options such as Land Boss, which may trade maximum price for speed and simplicity.