10 reasons land in Texas is still a smart buy in 2026

Texas has long been a magnet for land buyers—and the latest data shows the interest is more than hype. Land values and sales activity continue to point to strong demand, with different regions and land types moving at different speeds. If you’re considering raw land as an investment, a lifestyle move, or a long-term legacy asset, Texas remains one of the most compelling places to buy.

Below are 10 reasons we keep loving Texas land—plus where to buy, who’s buying, and how to make the process easier.

Introduction to the Great State of Texas

Before you decide where to buy, it helps to understand what makes Texas land different—and why it consistently attracts buyers looking for space, flexibility, and opportunity. If you’re exploring options, start here: Texas land.

• Texas spans 268,597 square miles, making it the largest contiguous state in the lower 48—so the terrain varies dramatically from East to West.
• The culture emphasizes independence and private property rights, reflected in iconic slogans and a strong landownership mindset.
• Natural resources help power the economy, including agriculture, cattle, and energy production—often making farmland and mineral rights a meaningful part of a parcel’s value.
• Major metros like Dallas, Houston, and Austin coexist with vast rural areas where country living thrives.
• Low taxes and pro-business policies continue to attract new residents and expand development corridors.

This combination of scale, culture, and economics creates a unique playing field for land buyers. Here are the 10 biggest reasons Texas stands out.

Why Texas Land? 10 Reasons Buyers Keep Coming Back

1) Land values have remained resilient—and the trendline is still up

Texas rural land has shown consistent upward pressure over time. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, Texas rural land prices increased 5.87% year-over-year to $5,158 per acre in Q3 2025. The same report notes Texas rural land’s five-year growth rate reached 11.24% through Q3 2025, which underscores why many buyers view land as a long-term store of value.

On the national side, price movement has been steadier than many expect. According to AgWeb, rural real estate prices in Texas showed moderate year-over-year growth of 1.32% in 2025—supporting the idea that Texas can deliver appreciation without requiring speculative volatility.

2) Farm and cropland values are hitting record territory

Texas isn’t just a “ranch land” story. Productive agricultural acreage continues to command attention. According to the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas average farm real estate value increased 6.1% to $2,970 per acre, while Texas cropland values increased 5.4% to an average of $2,710 per acre. For buyers prioritizing agricultural utility, these benchmarks help clarify what the market is willing to pay for productive ground.

3) Regional diversity means you can match the land to your goal

Texas offers nearly every landscape type: pine forests, rolling Hill Country, high plains, desert mountains, river bottoms, and Gulf Coast acreage. That variety lets buyers choose land that fits the mission—whether that’s recreation, agriculture, future development, or simply a private retreat.

4) West Texas can deliver value—and big year-over-year movement

If you want scale and open space, West Texas remains a go-to. And price action there has been especially notable. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, West Texas rural land prices jumped 15.79% year-over-year to $2,787 per acre in Q3 2025—highlighting how certain regions can outperform when demand and inventory align.

5) The Hill Country corridor keeps setting new highs

Central Texas continues to benefit from lifestyle demand, employment growth, and proximity to major metros. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, the Austin-Waco-Hill Country region land prices grew 3.4% year-over-year to $7,704 per acre in Q3 2025—a new regional high. For buyers who want land that blends usability with long-term demand, that region remains a standout.

6) Sales activity has rebounded, signaling market liquidity

Liquidity matters—especially if you view land as an investment. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, Texas rural land annualized sales volume increased 21.41% in Q4 2024, a noteworthy rebound from 2023. In the same report, total acreage sold climbed 21.49% year-over-year to 76,161 acres in Q4 2024. More transactions and more acres moving can indicate renewed buyer confidence and clearer price discovery.

7) Mineral rights can add upside (and leverage in negotiations)

In many Texas transactions, mineral rights become a major value driver. When mineral rights convey, the property can carry additional revenue potential through leasing, royalties, or exploration agreements. Even when minerals do not convey, understanding what’s included can affect pricing, financing, and long-term strategy.

8) Texas remains a low-tax, pro-ownership state

Texas is widely known for its business-friendly posture and lack of state income tax. For landowners, that often supports long-term affordability compared to higher-tax states—especially for buyers holding acreage for the long haul.

9) Limited zoning outside city limits offers flexibility

Outside many municipal boundaries, zoning tends to be less restrictive than in heavily regulated states. That flexibility is a major reason buyers choose Texas when they want room to build, improve, farm, ranch, or simply hold land without excessive interference (while still respecting county rules, access, and easements).

10) Rural lifestyle and recreation are part of the value

For many buyers, Texas land is about quality of life: hunting, hiking, star-filled skies, weekend cabin plans, and room for horses, ATVs, or family gatherings. This lifestyle demand continues to support values across property types.

That demand also mirrors broader pastureland trends. According to the Texas Farm Bureau, U.S. pastureland prices increased 5% to $1,920 per acre, with Texas showing similar upward trends—one more reason recreational and grazing properties remain highly sought-after.

Where to Buy Land in Texas

Texas is massive, and regional differences matter. Use the sections below to align your budget and goals with the right part of the state.

East Texas

East Texas is known for pine forests, lakes, and a wetter climate that supports timber, hay, and outdoor recreation. Buyers often target this region for scenic acreage, fishing property, and hunting land.

Popular cities include:

• Tyler
• Lufkin
• Nacogdoches
• Beaumont

Central Texas

Central Texas blends Hill Country beauty with proximity to major job centers. Springs, rivers, rolling terrain, and strong lifestyle demand make it ideal for ranchettes, second homes, and long-term holds.

Popular cities include:

• Austin
• San Antonio
• Waco
• Fredericksburg

West Texas

West Texas offers scale, open skies, and often lower per-acre entry points—plus mineral-driven upside in certain areas. It’s a fit for buyers seeking large ranches, privacy, and big horizons.

Popular cities include:

• Midland
• Lubbock
• Abilene
• El Paso

South Texas

South Texas features mild winters, hot summers, and strong agricultural roots. The Rio Grande Valley supports citrus and vegetables, while coastal areas attract buyers looking for beaches, wetlands, and wildlife.

Popular cities include:

• Corpus Christi
• Laredo
• Brownsville
• McAllen

North Texas

North Texas is anchored by the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, where growth pushes development outward. Buyers often look just beyond the city for more acreage at better price points.

Popular cities include:

• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• Denton
• Frisco

Who Can Buy Land in Texas?

Texas remains accessible to a wide range of land buyers. If you’re thinking about purchasing land within the state, these are the most common buyer profiles.

Individual Buyers

Many buyers want land to build a home, create a weekend retreat, run a small farm, hunt, or hold as a legacy asset.

Real Estate Investors

Investors often target growth corridors, future path-of-development areas, and undervalued rural parcels where demand may rise over time.

Relocating Homeowners

Texas continues to draw new residents, and many prefer buying acreage so they can build with more space and fewer limitations than typical subdivisions.

Commercial Developers

As metros expand, developers buy land on the edges of growth for retail, industrial parks, residential communities, and mixed-use projects.

Energy Companies

Energy operators and related firms may acquire land or secure leases for exploration, pipelines, access, and mineral development—depending on what rights are available.

Why Use a Land Company?

Buying land is different from buying a house. A reputable land company can help reduce risk, speed up the process, and improve decision-making—especially for rural tracts.

Access to More Listings

Land companies often uncover off-market opportunities and maintain relationships with brokers and sellers statewide.

Clearer Guidance on Market Value

Land valuation depends on factors like access, terrain, utilities, road frontage, water, restrictions, and mineral ownership. Experienced professionals help you price the whole package—not just the acreage count.

Negotiation and Closing Support

Strong land operators streamline negotiations, coordinate with title, and help keep timelines on track.

Financing Options

Some land companies can connect you with land lenders or offer seller-financing paths that individual sellers may not be able to provide.

Due Diligence Expertise

Quality land due diligence includes confirming title, easements, access, surveys, restrictions, floodplain considerations, and any mineral-related terms—so you know exactly what you’re buying.

Final Words

Texas land continues to earn its reputation because it blends lifestyle appeal with real market momentum. Recent data shows rising per-acre values in key regions, record-setting farm and cropland benchmarks, and a meaningful rebound in sales activity—signals that many buyers still view Texas as a durable place to own ground.

Choose your region carefully, match the land to your purpose, and always do thorough due diligence. The right Texas parcel can deliver both personal freedom and long-term opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents do I need to buy land in Texas?

Common documents include a purchase contract, deed, title insurance policy, survey (or existing plat), and any seller disclosures. A title company typically manages closing and recording.

Can out-of-state residents buy land in Texas?

Yes. Texas generally allows out-of-state buyers to purchase land, and you don’t need to be a resident to own property.

How much land can I buy as an individual?

Texas does not generally cap how many acres a private individual can buy. Practical limits usually come down to budget, financing, and intended use.

What taxes will I pay on Texas land?

You’ll pay county property taxes based on assessed value. Texas has no state income tax, but local property tax rates and exemptions vary by location and land use.

Should I finance land or pay cash?

Cash can simplify negotiations and closing, but land loans and seller financing can help preserve liquidity. Compare rates, down payments, terms, and any prepayment rules before committing.