Regions
Kansas has eleven major land regions: Arkansas River Lowlands, Chautauqua Hills, Cherokee Lowlands, Flint Hills, Glaciated Region, High Plains, Osage Cuestas, Ozark Plateau, Red Hills, Smoky Hills, and Wellington-McPherson Lowlands.
Agriculture in Kansas
Agriculture continues to be one of Kansas’ top industries, generating $17.4 billion in revenue for the Sunflower State. There are approximately 58,569 farms, covering 45.7 million acres of Kansas. The average size farm comprises 781 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 105 counties.
While cattle is Kansas’ top commodity, its most valuable crops are wheat and corn. The state also grows substantial quantities of soybeans, grain sorghum, and hay. Most of the cropland is found in the Smoky Hills area of the state.
Wildlife
Kansas wildlife is abundant on both land and water. Popular wildlife includes deer, elk, antelope, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and foxes. Bison, once extinct in Kansas, have been recently introduced.
Freshwater fish species found in Kansas include black crappie, bluegill, gar, channel catfish, drum, yellow fish, carp, and largemouth bass.
Kansas’ conservation programs are committed to managing, protecting, and enhancing its natural resources. Croplands have even been converted into native grasslands to protect endangered wildlife like the prairie chicken.
Main Rivers and Lakes
Kansas’ four longest rivers are the Missouri River, Arkansas River, Smoky Hill River, and Republican River. Their main tributaries include the Arikaree River, Salt Fork River, Cimarron River, Wakarusa River, and Saline River.
Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas, is fed by the Republican River. The surface area of this lake is approximately 15,808 acres (24.71 square miles). Other significant lakes include Harlan County Lake, Waconda Lake, and Tuttle Creek Lake.
State Parks
Kansas has 28 state parks and 5 national parks.
National Parks
- Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site
- Fort Larned National Historic Site
- Everglades National Park
- Fort Scott National Historic Site
- Nicodemus National Historic Site
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | Sunflower State |
| Neighboring States | Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado |
| Regions | Arkansas River Lowlands, Chautauqua Hills, Cherokee Lowlands, Flint Hills, Glaciated Region, High Plains, Osage Cuestas, Ozark Plateau, Red Hills, Smoky Hills, and Wellington-McPherson Lowlands |
| State Flower | Wild Sunflower |
| State Bird | Western Meadowlark |
| Big Game | White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn Antelope |
| Small Game | Turkey, Waterfowl, and Rabbit |
| Freshwater Fish | Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Drum, Yellow Fish, Carp, and Largemouth Bass |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting |
| Total Acreage | 52.6 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 300,000 acres |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 33 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 45.7 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 5.2 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://ksoutdoors.com/Wildlife-Habitats/Wildlife-Conservation |
| Primary Crops | Wheat and corn |
| Main Rivers | Missouri River, Arkansas River, Smoky Hill River, and Republican River |
| Largest Lake | Milford Lake |
| Other Lakes | Harlan County Lake, Waconda Lake, and Tuttle Creek Lake |
| Other Tributaries | Arikaree River, Salt Fork River, Cimarron River, Wakarusa River, and Saline River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Kansas began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Kansas. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Kansas can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
Find a Kansas land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What regions of Kansas offer the best land values for buyers?
If you look at the western half of Kansas, dryland wheat and grain sorghum fields are much cheaper than land in the east. Moving to eastern Kansas, especially the Flint Hills and the northeast counties, you get rolling hills, excellent deer hunting, and very productive crop and grass fields. The areas along the Kansas River and Smoky Hill River in central Kansas have rich bottomland that offers both good farming and great wildlife habitats at fair prices. If you want a property that gives you solid farming income and top-tier hunting, eastern Kansas offers the best mix and the strongest chance for the land to gain value over time.
What are typical land prices in Kansas by region?
According to 2026 data from the Kansas Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, native grass ranch land in the Flint Hills (places like Chase, Lyon, and Morris counties) sells for $1,200 to $2,500 per acre. Up in the northeast, good crop land in Marshall, Washington, and Cloud counties goes for $3,500 to $6,000 per acre. Out west, dryland wheat fields run $800 to $2,000 per acre depending on the soil and how much rain falls. If you want river bottom hunting and farm land along the Republican, Smoky Hill, or Kansas rivers, expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000 per acre. Overall, Kansas land is much cheaper than similar land in Iowa or Nebraska, making it a true bargain in the Midwest.
What property taxes and ownership costs should Kansas rural landowners expect?
According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, the state has some of the lowest property taxes on farm land in the Great Plains. The state only taxes 30 percent of the land’s value, and they figure out that value based on what the land can grow, not what a developer would pay for it. This keeps your tax bill much lower than the actual sale price. Because the tax rates are fair and the state uses this farming formula, paying the yearly taxes on Kansas land is very manageable. The state also has zero inheritance tax. When you add it all up, holding land long-term in Kansas is much cheaper than in most other Midwest states.
