How Much is an Acre of Land in Michigan? 2025 Data

An acre of land in Michigan costs between $9,333 and $246,733, depending on location. Rural Upper Peninsula counties offer the most affordable options, while "Up North" lakefront areas and suburban counties near Detroit command premium prices. Understanding these dramatic regional differences can save you thousands when buying Michigan land. Let's dive into the data!

Key Takeaways:

1. Michigan land prices vary dramatically with a 26x difference between the cheapest and most expensive counties.
2. Lakeshore counties and areas near major cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor command the highest per-acre prices.
3. The Upper Peninsula offers the most affordable land options, with some counties under $10,000 per acre.

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.

How Much is 1 Acre of Land in Michigan?

Michigan's diverse geography, from the pristine shores of the Great Lakes to its bustling urban centers, creates a dynamic and varied market for small land parcels (0-2 acres). Our comprehensive analysis of sales data from all 83 counties reveals that location dictates value, with "Up North" recreational hotspots and suburban counties commanding a significant premium.

Key insights from our 0-2 acre data:

• Extreme Price Variation: The value of a small lot in Michigan spans a massive range, from just $9,333 per acre in Gogebic County in the Upper Peninsula to a stunning $246,733 per acre in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula—a 26x difference.
• "Up North" Lakefront Premium: The state's most expensive small parcels are concentrated along the Lake Michigan coastline and in prime northern vacation areas. Leelanau County ($246,733), Washtenaw County ($152,789), and Charlevoix County ($186,136) lead the market.
• Urban County Hotspots: Proximity to major cities drives high values, with Washtenaw County (home to Ann Arbor) and Oakland County (a major Detroit suburb) showing per-acre prices of $152,789 and $115,118, respectively.
• Value in the Upper Peninsula: For those seeking affordability, the western Upper Peninsula offers incredible value. Gogebic ($9,333), Iron ($10,031), and Ontonagon ($10,670) counties have the most accessible prices for small acreage.

Small lots typically carry the highest per-acre cost due to their accessibility for home building. The table below provides a detailed look at current pricing data across all of Michigan's counties if you're looking to sell land in Michigan.

How Much is 5 Acres of Land in Michigan?

As we expand to the 2-5 acre "hobby parcel" category in Michigan, the per-acre price becomes more accessible, though the key value drivers remain the same. This size is a popular choice for those wanting more privacy, a small hobby farm, or a larger "Up North" getaway. Location continues to be the primary factor, with lakefront and suburban properties commanding the highest prices. Use the data and insight below when selling land by owner in Michigan.

Key insights from our 2-5 acre data:

• Persistent Price Leaders: The top of the market is still dominated by the same desirable areas. The Leelanau Peninsula ($92,610 per acre) remains the most expensive, followed by Washtenaw ($66,039), Charlevoix ($65,039), and Emmet ($60,919) counties.
• Price Moderation: While still expensive, the per-acre costs in these premium counties have decreased significantly compared to the smaller 0-2 acre lots, which is a typical market trend.
• The Value of Space: The most affordable land in this size range is found where space is abundant. The western Upper Peninsula leads in affordability, with Gogebic ($5,750), Iron ($6,654), and Ontonagon ($6,801) counties offering the lowest per-acre prices.
• Suburban Demand: Counties surrounding major metropolitan areas like Kent (Grand Rapids), Oakland (Detroit), and Livingston (between Detroit and Lansing) maintain strong values, reflecting the demand for larger properties within commuting distance.

For many Michiganders, a 5-acre property represents the perfect balance of space and manageability. The table below offers a detailed look at the current market prices across the state for this popular parcel size.

How Much is 10 Acres of Land in Michigan?

Entering the 5-10 acre range, buyers find a market that offers a great blend of privacy and manageability at a more affordable per-acre price. These properties are highly sought after for small-scale farming, private recreational use, or simply as a spacious homestead. The land's features—such as woods, clearings, or water access—start to play a much larger role in valuation, alongside the ever-important factor of location.

Key insights from our 5-10 acre data:

• Consistent High-Value Areas: Michigan's most desirable "Up North" and suburban counties continue to lead. Washtenaw County ($49,505 per acre) takes the top spot, followed by Leelanau ($48,300), Livingston ($35,165), and Oakland ($35,140) counties, showcasing the strong demand for larger lots near Ann Arbor and Detroit.
• The Upper Peninsula Advantage: For maximum acreage per dollar, the western U.P. is the clear winner. Gogebic ($4,375), Iron ($4,895), and Ontonagon ($5,178) counties provide the most budget-friendly options for buyers seeking 10 acres.
• Price Per Acre Continues to Drop: As expected, the per-acre cost for a 10-acre parcel is significantly lower than for smaller lots across the state. This trend allows buyers to acquire more land for their money as the parcel size increases.
• Land Use is Key: At this size, a property's utility is paramount. A 10-acre parcel with road frontage and cleared land suitable for building will be valued higher than a landlocked, swampy tract, making on-the-ground inspection crucial for buyers.

The table below provides a full breakdown of per-acre prices for 5-10 acre lots, offering a clear benchmark for anyone in the Michigan land market.

How Much is 20 Acres of Land in Michigan?

In the 10-20 acre range, the Michigan land market offers significant value, with per-acre prices becoming even more affordable. These larger parcels are perfect for those seeking to establish a small farm, manage a private woodlot, or simply secure a substantial homestead with plenty of privacy. At this size, the quality and features of the land itself—such as soil type, timber value, and road access—are primary drivers of value.

Key insights from our 10-20 acre data:

• Suburban Counties Lead in Value: For the first time, a suburban county takes the top spot. Livingston County ($26,861 per acre), strategically located between major metro areas, shows the highest per-acre price, indicating strong demand for larger "estate" properties. It's followed by Washtenaw ($25,745) and Oakland ($23,178) counties.
• Ultimate Affordability in the U.P.: The western Upper Peninsula remains the most affordable region for acquiring land at scale. Gogebic ($3,458), Ontonagon ($3,924), and Iron ($4,008) counties offer the lowest per-acre costs in the entire state for this size category.
• A Buyer's Market for Acreage: With per-acre prices falling significantly compared to smaller lots, buyers with the capital for a larger purchase can find excellent deals. The difference between the highest and lowest-priced county is about 7.7x, a much narrower gap than seen with smaller parcels.
• Utility is Everything: Buyers in this market are highly discerning. A 20-acre parcel of prime, buildable land with utilities nearby will command a much higher price than 20 acres of remote, inaccessible wetland.

The detailed table below provides a full county-by-county overview of market prices for 10-20 acre parcels in Michigan.

How Much is 100 Acres of Land in Michigan?

When evaluating the price of large tracts of land, like 100 acres, we need to analyze a broad range of sales to create a reliable market picture. For this final section, we've grouped sales between 20 and 100 acres. It is important for readers to note that the per-acre price for a 25-acre property can be very different from that of a 95-acre parcel within the same county. However, combining this data provides the most accurate overview for those interested in buying or selling large-acreage properties in Michigan.

Key insights from our 20-100 acre data:

• Agricultural and Suburban Value: The highest values for large parcels are found in counties with productive farmland and strong suburban demand. Huron County ($8,266 per acre) in Michigan's "Thumb" leads the state, followed by Ottawa ($8,014) and Allegan ($7,896) counties in the populous western part of the state.
• The Best Value for Scale: For buyers looking to acquire the most land for their money, the Upper Peninsula is the definitive answer. Iron ($2,714), Gogebic ($2,811), and Baraga ($2,963) counties offer the lowest per-acre prices in Michigan, making them prime territory for forestry, hunting clubs, or creating a vast private retreat.
• Land's Purpose is Everything: At this scale, a parcel's function dictates its price. One hundred acres of prime, tillable farmland is a completely different asset than 100 acres of remote, swampy timberland. Buyers in this market are focused on soil quality, road access, timber value, and development potential.

The complete county-by-county data for 20-100 acre parcels is detailed in the table below, offering a valuable baseline for understanding the large-acreage land market across The Great Lakes State.

For those considering investments beyond Michigan, we recommend exploring our detailed analyses of Wisconsin land costs per acre and Ohio county per acre pricing to compare regional opportunities and maximize your investment potential.