| California County | Acre Size | Price Per Acre |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | 0-2 acres | $850,000 |
| Alpine County | 0-2 acres | $75,000 |
| Amador County | 0-2 acres | $60,000 |
| Butte County | 0-2 acres | $75,000 |
| Calaveras County | 0-2 acres | $52,000 |
| Colusa County | 0-2 acres | $45,000 |
| Contra Costa County | 0-2 acres | $450,000 |
| Del Norte County | 0-2 acres | $45,000 |
| El Dorado County | 0-2 acres | $112,000 |
| Fresno County | 0-2 acres | $94,000 |
| Glenn County | 0-2 acres | $37,000 |
| Humboldt County | 0-2 acres | $66,000 |
| Imperial County | 0-2 acres | $37,000 |
| Inyo County | 0-2 acres | $45,000 |
| Kern County | 0-2 acres | $37,000 |
| Kings County | 0-2 acres | $66,000 |
| Lake County | 0-2 acres | $37,000 |
| Lassen County | 0-2 acres | $24,000 |
| Los Angeles County | 0-2 acres | $750,000 |
| Madera County | 0-2 acres | $60,000 |
| Marin County | 0-2 acres | $950,000 |
| Mariposa County | 0-2 acres | $45,000 |
| Mendocino County | 0-2 acres | $60,000 |
| Merced County | 0-2 acres | $66,000 |
| Modoc County | 0-2 acres | $19,000 |
| Mono County | 0-2 acres | $112,000 |
| Monterey County | 0-2 acres | $350,000 |
| Napa County | 0-2 acres | $450,000 |
| Nevada County | 0-2 acres | $84,000 |
| Orange County | 0-2 acres | $950,000 |
| Placer County | 0-2 acres | $175,000 |
| Plumas County | 0-2 acres | $37,000 |
| Riverside County | 0-2 acres | $150,000 |
| Sacramento County | 0-2 acres | $250,000 |
| San Benito County | 0-2 acres | $175,000 |
| San Bernardino County | 0-2 acres | $60,000 |
| San Diego County | 0-2 acres | $550,000 |
| San Francisco County | 0-2 acres | $N/A |
| San Joaquin County | 0-2 acres | $150,000 |
| San Luis Obispo County | 0-2 acres | $300,000 |
| San Mateo County | 0-2 acres | $1,500,000 |
| Santa Barbara County | 0-2 acres | $650,000 |
| Santa Clara County | 0-2 acres | $1,750,000 |
| Santa Cruz County | 0-2 acres | $600,000 |
| Shasta County | 0-2 acres | $52,000 |
| Sierra County | 0-2 acres | $34,000 |
| Siskiyou County | 0-2 acres | $28,000 |
| Solano County | 0-2 acres | $225,000 |
| Sonoma County | 0-2 acres | $400,000 |
| Stanislaus County | 0-2 acres | $112,000 |
| Sutter County | 0-2 acres | $84,000 |
| Tehama County | 0-2 acres | $34,000 |
| Trinity County | 0-2 acres | $30,000 |
| Tulare County | 0-2 acres | $66,000 |
| Tuolumne County | 0-2 acres | $52,000 |
| Ventura County | 0-2 acres | $600,000 |
| Yolo County | 0-2 acres | $175,000 |
| Yuba County | 0-2 acres | $66,000 |
Table of Contents
California land prices per acre by county range from $19,000 in rural Modoc County to an astounding $1,750,000 in Silicon Valley's Santa Clara County. Tech hubs and coastal metros command premium prices, while remote northern regions offer incredible value. Our comprehensive analysis reveals the dramatic 92x price difference across all 58 counties. Let's jump into the recent sales data!
Key Takeaways:
- Silicon Valley's Santa Clara County has the highest land prices in the nation at $1.75 million per acre for small parcels.
- Remote northern counties like Modoc offer the most affordable land at under $25,000 per acre.
- Per-acre costs decrease significantly as parcel size increases, providing more buying power for larger properties.
Data Source: All land pricing data in this article was compiled from multiple real estate sources including Redfin, Zillow, and local MLS listings, with prices subject to change based on market conditions. Please be aware that these county-wide figures are a starting point. Prices can be influenced by limited sales in rural areas and can also vary significantly within a single large county.
How Much is 1 Acre of Land in California?
California's land market for small parcels (0-2 acres) is one of the most dynamic and expensive in the country, defined by extreme price variations between its coastal metropolitan areas and vast rural interiors. Our analysis of sales data from across the Golden State's 58 counties shows that proximity to major tech hubs and desirable coastal cities dictates land value more than any other factor.
Key insights from our 0-2 acre data:
- Silicon Valley Leads the Nation: The heart of the tech industry commands astronomical prices. Santa Clara County has the highest median price in the state at an incredible $1,750,000 per acre, followed by San Mateo County at $1,500,000.
- Major Metro Premiums: Other major urban centers also see exceptionally high values. Orange County ($950,000 per acre), Alameda County ($850,000), and Los Angeles County ($750,000) all have some of the most expensive land in the United States.
- Affordability in the Far North and East: The most affordable small parcels are found in the state's remote rural areas. Modoc County in the northeast corner has the lowest median price at just $19,000 per acre, with Lassen ($24,000) and Siskiyou ($28,000) counties also offering relative affordability.
The table below provides a comprehensive, county-by-county look at the current median per-acre prices for small lots across California, especially if you're looking to sell land for cash in California.
How Much is 5 Acres of Land in California?
In the popular 2-5 acre range, the California land market offers more space for a lower per-acre cost, but the key drivers of value remain the same. These "hobby" sized parcels are highly sought after by those wanting more privacy than a standard lot. The data continues to show an extreme premium for land in the Bay Area and Southern California's coastal metro areas.
Key insights from our 2-5 acre data:
- Bay Area Still on Top: The Silicon Valley counties continue to lead the state by a massive margin. Santa Clara County has the highest median price at $950,000 per acre, followed by San Mateo County at $850,000.
- Price Moderation: While still the most expensive, the per-acre prices in these top-tier counties have dropped significantly from the 0-2 acre bracket. This is a typical market dynamic that increases buying power for those seeking slightly larger properties.
- Rural Affordability: The most affordable 5-acre parcels are found in the state's vast rural regions. Modoc County in the far northeast has the lowest median price at just $13,000 per acre, with Lassen ($15,000) and Siskiyou ($19,000) counties also offering excellent value.
The table below provides the full county-by-county breakdown of median per-acre prices for 2-5 acre lots in California. Dive deeper into the data by reading Evaluation of the California land market.
How Much is 10 Acres of Land in California?
In the 5-10 acre category, buyers in California can find a good balance of usable space and privacy at a more accessible per-acre price. These properties are ideal for small homesteads, vineyards, or private recreational use. The market continues to be heavily skewed by the immense demand in coastal metropolitan areas, especially the Bay Area.
Key insights from our 5-10 acre data:
- Bay Area's Unmatched Prices: The Silicon Valley effect remains powerful. Santa Clara County has the highest median price at $550,000 per acre, followed by San Mateo County at $450,000.
- Coastal and Wine Country Premiums: Other high-value areas include Marin County ($300,000), Santa Cruz County ($225,000), and Napa County ($175,000), demonstrating the premium on coastal living and world-class wine country.
- Value in the State's Interior: For buyers prioritizing acreage over location, the state's rural interior offers the best value. Modoc County has the lowest median price at just $9,000 per acre, with Lassen ($11,000) and Siskiyou ($13,000) counties also providing highly affordable options.
The following table provides a complete, county-by-county breakdown of median per-acre prices for 5-10 acre properties across California.
How Much is 20 Acres of Land in California?
In the 10-20 acre category, the California land market offers substantial space for small farms, vineyards, or private recreational use. The per-acre prices become significantly more affordable at this size, yet the market remains heavily influenced by the demand in the state's prime coastal and metropolitan areas.
Key insights from our 10-20 acre data:
- Bay Area and Coast Still Lead: The most expensive land is found in the Bay Area and desirable coastal counties. San Mateo County has the highest median price at $250,000 per acre, followed by Santa Clara County ($225,000) and Marin County ($175,000).
- Affordability in the Far North: For buyers seeking the most acreage for their money, the remote northern counties are the clear winners. Modoc County offers the lowest median price in the state at just $7,000 per acre, with Lassen ($8,000) and Siskiyou ($9,000) counties also providing exceptional value.
- Land Use is Crucial: At this size, the utility of the land is a primary driver of value. A 20-acre parcel of flat, plantable land in wine country will be valued very differently than 20 acres of steep, rugged terrain in the Sierra Nevada.
The table below provides a complete, county-by-county breakdown of median per-acre prices for 10-20 acre properties across the state of California.
How Much is 100 Acres of Land in California?
To analyze the market for large-acreage properties, such as 100 acres, we must look at a wider range of sales to create a reliable data set. For this final section, we've grouped sales between 20 and 100 acres. It’s important for readers to understand that the per-acre price for a 25-acre property can differ significantly from that of a 95-acre parcel, even within the same county. However, this approach provides the most accurate and stable overview of the market for large tracts of land in California.
Key insights from our 20-100 acre data:
- The Bay Area Premium: Even at this larger scale, the counties of the Bay Area hold the highest values. San Mateo County leads the state with a median price of $125,000 per acre, followed by Santa Clara County ($112,000) and Marin County ($94,000).
- Value in the Far North and Desert: For buyers seeking the most land for their investment, the state's remote corners are the clear winners. Modoc County has the lowest median price in California at just $5,000 per acre, with Lassen ($6,000) and Imperial ($7,000) counties also offering exceptional affordability.
- Land's Purpose is Everything: At this scale, a property's function dictates its price. One hundred acres of prime, plantable vineyard land in Napa is a vastly different asset than 100 acres of remote desert scrub in San Bernardino, and the market price will reflect that utility.
The table below provides the complete, county-by-county data for 20-100 acre parcels, offering a valuable baseline for understanding large-acreage land values across the Golden State.
For those considering investments beyond Washington, we recommend exploring our detailed guides on state acre pricing, such as: cost of land in Washington by county, Florida land prices by county, and cost of land in North Carolina by county.
