Virginia land prices show dramatic differences across the Commonwealth, with some counties commanding over $500,000 per acre while others sell for under $5,000. The statewide average agricultural land value sits at approximately $5,850 per acre according to recent data, but this figure tells only part of the story. Understanding these price variations and market trends is important for anyone considering buying or selling land, exploring opportunities for farms for sale, or investing in recreational land for sale across Virginia.
The Virginia land market reflects strong fundamentals despite a recent slowdown in transaction volume. Virginia agricultural land sold in 2023 averaged $5,464 per acre, with transaction volume decreasing to 1,461 transactions from 2,159. This represents a 32.3% decrease in total transactions from the previous year. The NASS survey of agricultural land values estimated an average of $5,300 per acre, closely aligning with actual market transaction data. Meanwhile, rising demand for recreational, timber, and farmland continues to support values across multiple property categories throughout the state.
Virginia Land Prices by Region
Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia commands the highest land values in the Commonwealth, with extremely high land values reaching up to $500,000 and beyond per acre. Prime parcels in certain parts of Northern Virginia fetch more than $1 million per acre, while Loudoun County shows average values around $110,782 per acre. In Fairfax County, where developable land is increasingly scarce, the median price per acre reached $728,417. Strong commercial and residential demand, combined with limited inventory near Washington D.C., drives price volatility and sustained appreciation in this region.
Central Virginia
Around Richmond and Charlottesville, land values typically range from $10,000 to $100,000 per acre. This region offers a mixture of suburban, rural, and hobby farm land that appeals to both investment and lifestyle buyers. The Central District saw an average of $6,283 per acre for agricultural land in 2023, making it an attractive option for those seeking balance between accessibility and affordability.
Coastal Virginia
Waterfront properties command premium prices from $100,000 to $200,000 and beyond per acre, while inland rural plots in coastal areas range from $5,000 to $20,000 per acre. The Eastern District showed a notably different trend than the rest of the state in 2023, with a 3.4% increase in average sales price per acre. This region proves ideal for vacation land, fishing properties, and conservation investments.
Western Virginia
Rural mountain plots in Western Virginia offer some of the most affordable land in the state, typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per acre. The Western District averaged $5,957 per acre for agricultural land in 2023.
Land Type Affects Value: What Are You Buying?
Different types of land demand vastly different prices across Virginia. Agricultural land suitable for farming typically values based on soil quality and productivity potential. Land with high-quality, well-draining soil commands premium prices compared to parcels requiring extensive soil treatment or irrigation systems.
Recreational land draws buyers seeking hunting properties, camping areas, or outdoor recreation spaces. These parcels often include features like water access, wildlife habitat, and timber resources. Timber land represents another category, valued for both current standing timber and long-term forest management potential. Development land warrants the highest prices when located near urban areas with proper zoning and utility access.
The statewide estimate shows agricultural land averaging $5,434 per acre, but this varies significantly by soil quality, water access, and development potential. Virginia farmland value reflects both current agricultural productivity and future development possibilities, while recreational land price in Virginia depends heavily on features like water access, wildlife habitat, and proximity to population centers.
Key Factors That Influence Land Value in Virginia
Several factors directly impact land values across Virginia:
Zoning and land use permissions: Agricultural zoning keeps farmland prices stable, while land zoned for commercial or residential development yield higher prices. Properties with flexible zoning or rezoning potential attract developers and investors.
Proximity to roads, cities, water, and utilities: Land with proper road access and available utilities like electricity, natural gas, and internet connectivity values higher than remote properties. Poor accessibility limits farming operations and development potential.
Topography and soil quality: Different soil types have varying effects on crop yield and building suitability. Loamy soil, known for balanced texture and high fertility, tends to be most valuable for farming operations.
Access to public land or outdoor recreation: Properties near state parks, hunting areas, or recreational facilities often command premium prices from buyers seeking outdoor lifestyle opportunities.
Environmental or easement restrictions: Conservation easements may limit development but appeal to conservation-focused buyers. Properties in flood zones may require additional insurance considerations.
Timber, mineral, or water rights: Land with natural water sources like rivers, lakes, or groundwater holds higher market value due to reliable water supply. Standing timber and mineral rights add significant value to rural properties.
Market Trends and Investment Outlook (2025 & Beyond)
Virginia's land market shows several important trends shaping current values. While overall transaction volume decreased by 32.2% for agricultural land of 20 acres or more in 2023, this decline reflects broader market conditions with inflation and high interest rates rather than fundamental weakness in land values. Urban sprawl continues to increase rural land demand as buyers seek larger properties within reasonable commuting distance of major employment centers. Remote work has particularly boosted demand for rural parcels within driving distance of cities like Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Washington D.C.
The trend toward land as an asset hedge has strengthened significantly, with more buyers viewing land as a stable investment during economic uncertainty. Many investors are moving money from volatile stock markets into tangible land assets, supporting values even during periods of reduced agricultural commodity prices. Market analysts expect Virginia's diverse economy and population growth to continue supporting land values over the long term, with the state's proximity to Washington D.C., strong agricultural sector, and growing recreational land market providing multiple demand sources.
How We Can Help You Buy or Sell Land in Virginia
Mossy Oak Properties brings specialized expertise to Virginia's diverse land market, with deep knowledge of regional pricing trends and local market conditions. Our agents understand the factors that drive value in different parts of the Commonwealth, from Northern Virginia's high-demand development parcels to the recreational and timber properties of rural regions. We work with buyers and sellers across all land categories, including timber properties suitable for forest management, hunting land with quality wildlife habitat, productive farms with good soil and water access, and riverfront acreage offering recreational opportunities.
Connect with our Virginia land specialists for regional pricing guidance tailored to your specific needs. We can help you understand local market dynamics, evaluate properties based on your intended use, and navigate the complexities of land transactions in Virginia. Our team provides guidance on everything from soil quality assessments to zoning considerations, helping clients make informed decisions about land investments. Contact Mossy Oak Properties today to explore available land opportunities or discuss selling your Virginia property in this dynamic market.
Sources:
Agricultural Land Sales in Virginia, 2023
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Land Values 2024 Summary.
Virginia Realtors market reports and forecasts for 2025.
Virginia land market data compiled from multiple real estate sources including regional MLS listings and land transaction records.