What Will an Acre of Land Cost in West Virginia in 2026?

Ever dreamed of owning a slice of Almost Heaven? West Virginia’s mountains, forests, rivers, and small-town charm make land ownership feel both practical and personal. The real question is simple: what is one acre actually worth in West Virginia today?

The Quick Answer: Typical Price Per Acre in West Virginia

Land values vary widely by county, access, terrain, and intended use—but statewide market data gives a reliable starting point. According to Land.com, the median price per acre in West Virginia is $6,357. Use that median as a baseline, then adjust up or down based on what the parcel can realistically be used for.

What Current Listings Tell You About “Average” Land Deals

Many buyers imagine a small homesite, but the typical listing in West Virginia skews larger and more rural. According to Land.com, average land listings have a lot size of 109 acres and are priced around $577,103. That combination often reflects hunting tracts, timberland, family holdings, and recreational parcels—not just build-ready one-acre lots.

Why One Acre Can Be Cheap in One County—and Expensive in Another

In West Virginia, an “acre” isn’t a standardized product. A flat acre near a growing town can command a premium, while a steep, landlocked acre in the woods may sell for far less. These factors typically drive the biggest price swings:

1. Location and nearby demand (commute time, job centers, college towns, and development pressure).
2. Topography and buildability (flat, usable ground is scarce in the Mountain State and usually costs more).
3. Access and utilities (road frontage, easements, power, water, septic suitability, and broadband).
4. Resource potential (timber value, and—where applicable—mineral considerations; always confirm whether mineral rights convey).
5. Zoning and permitted uses (homesites, farming, short-term rentals, commercial use, or conservation limitations).

Land Prices vs. Home Prices: Why the Housing Market Still Matters

Even if you’re only buying land, nearby housing demand influences what buyers will pay for buildable acreage. According to KLM Properties, the statewide median home price is $198,500, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Rising home values can push up demand for lots, small tracts, and “ready-to-build” parcels—especially near expanding communities.

Affordability also keeps new residents and investors looking. West Virginia maintains a price-to-income ratio of 3.2, which is significantly below the national average of 4.7, according to KLM Properties. And overall costs remain competitive: West Virginia home prices are 21% less than the national average and the state has the eighth most affordable cost of living, according to Preston WV. That affordability can translate into steady interest in land for primary residences, second homes, and recreation.

High-Growth Pockets That Can Raise Per-Acre Values

Some regions experience stronger price pressure than others, which can lift land values—especially for small buildable parcels.

• Eastern Panhandle: The region has a median home price of $245,000 with 9.3% annual appreciation, the highest growth rate in the state, according to KLM Properties. When housing demand rises there, nearby land—particularly lots with utilities—often follows.
• Morgantown: Morgantown commands the highest median home prices among West Virginia’s major cities at $267,000, with 8.1% annual appreciation, according to The Jamil Brothers. College-town demand and limited buildable inventory can make small-acre prices notably higher than rural state averages.

Market Momentum: Appreciation and Inventory Trends to Watch

Land doesn’t move exactly like housing, but housing trends often signal where land values may head next. West Virginia’s statewide home appreciation rate increased from an average of 3.2% annually (2015–2020) to 6.8% annually (2020–2025), according to KLM Properties. Stronger appreciation tends to increase interest in land—especially parcels suitable for building—because buyers look for alternatives to tight housing supply.

Inventory levels reinforce that story. Available housing inventory stands at 2.8 months of supply statewide, down from the historical average of 5.4 months, according to KLM Properties. When buyers can’t find homes easily, they often expand their search to lots, land-home packages, or acreage where they can build over time.

Property Taxes: A Key Ongoing Cost for Landowners

Land value is only part of the ownership equation—annual taxes matter, especially for large tracts. According to Land.com, West Virginia’s effective property tax rate is 0.54%, ranking 41st nationally. That relatively low effective rate can make holding land more manageable compared to higher-tax states, particularly for recreational and long-term investment owners.

Buying or Selling Land in West Virginia: Practical Steps That Protect Your Price

1. Start with real market anchors. Use statewide benchmarks like the $6,357 median price per acre from Land.com, then compare with recent sales and listings in your specific county.
2. Validate access and buildability early. Confirm deeded access, easements, road maintenance, and whether a septic system is feasible—especially on smaller tracts where one limitation can cut value sharply.
3. Separate surface value from resource value. Timber, leases, and mineral rights can change the numbers, but rights are often split. Always verify what conveys before pricing or making an offer.
4. Price to the buyer pool. A 1–5 acre homesite targets different buyers than a 109-acre recreational tract (a common listing profile per Land.com), so marketing and pricing need to match the audience.
5. Use local specialists when stakes are high. Surveyors, appraisers, foresters, and land-focused agents can uncover constraints (or hidden upside) that generic comparables miss.

Final Takeaway: What One Acre Is Worth Depends on What It Can Do

An acre in West Virginia can range from a simple piece of woods to a build-ready homesite near a fast-appreciating market. Start with credible statewide benchmarks, then weigh location, access, utilities, terrain, and legal rights. With home prices rising and inventory tight in many areas, buildable land in the right place can command a premium—while remote or constrained acreage may remain a bargain.

In a state where the view can feel priceless, smart pricing still comes down to data, due diligence, and a clear plan for how the land will be used.