Regions
Louisiana’s five main land regions include the Coastal Marsh, Mississippi Flood Plains, Red River Valley, Terraces, and Hills.
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be an important industry in the Pelican State, generating $3.2 billion in revenues. There are approximately 30,000 farms in the state, covering 8 million acres of Louisiana. The average size farm comprises 370 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 64 parishes.
Louisiana’s most valuable crops are soybeans, sugarcane, and cotton. The state also grows substantial quantities of rice, sweet potatoes, and pecans. Most of the cropland is found in the northeast region of the state.
Wildlife
Louisiana wildlife is abundant within the state on both land and water. The dense vegetation, ample rainfall, and forage make it a wildlife mecca for land animals and fisheries alike. Its primary wildlife includes whitetail deer, turkey, coyotes, bobcat, and mink.
The combination of access to freshwater lakes, rivers, and the Gulf Coast creates a diverse ecosystem for many fish species. Freshwater species include largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and striped bass. Primary saltwater species include red drum, grouper, mullet, and mackerel.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Louisiana’s three longest rivers are the Mississippi River, Red River, and Ouachita River. Their main tributaries include the North Fork of the Red River, Boeuf River, and Kiamichi River.
Lake Pontchartrain, the largest lake in Louisiana, is located in southeastern Louisiana. The surface area of this lake is approximately 402,560 acres (629 square miles). Othersignificant lakes include Toledo Bend Reservoir, Lake Borgne, and Lake Maurepas.
State and National Parks
Louisiana has 21 state parks and 6 national parks.
National Parks:
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park
- El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
- Poverty Point National Monument
- Vicksburg National Military Park
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | Pelican State |
| Neighboring States | Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi |
| Regions | Coastal Marsh, Mississippi Flood Plains, Red River Valley, Terraces, and Hills |
| State Flower | Magnolia |
| State Bird | Pelican |
| Big Game | White-tailed deer and wild turkey |
| Small Game | Quail, rabbit, and squirrel |
| Freshwater Fish | Largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and striped bass |
| Saltwater Fish | Red drum, grouper, mullet, and mackerel |
| Hunting Information | https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/ |
| Total Acreage | 33.5 million |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 33.5 million |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 70 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 8 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 13.8 million acres |
| Coastline | 397 miles |
| Conservation Program | http://www.dnr.louisiana.gov/conservation |
| Primary Crops | Soybeans, sugarcane, and cotton |
| Largest Lake | Lake Pontchartrain |
| Other Lakes | Toledo Bend Reservoir, Lake Borgne, and Lake Maurepas |
| Major Rivers | Mississippi River, Red River, and Ouachita River |
| Other Tributaries | North Fork of the Red, Boeuf River, and Kiamichi River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Louisiana began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Louisiana’s land unique compared to other Southern states?
Louisiana’s land revolves around water more than any other state in the South. According to geological data, the Mississippi River delta has spent thousands of years dumping the richest farming land in the region right here. The state has an unbelievable amount of navigable rivers and swamps. However, down on the coast, the land is slowly sinking and washing away into the ocean, which you have to think about if you are buying land to hold for decades. Up north, the pine forests are on solid ground and are great for growing timber and hunting. Also, who owns the oil and gas rights underground is a massive deal in Louisiana and can completely change the value of the land.
How do mineral rights affect land purchases in Louisiana?
Mineral rights are a huge deal in Louisiana. In many cases, the person who originally owned the land or a big energy company kept the rights to the oil and gas underground when they sold the surface land. If you buy land with the mineral rights, you might get regular royalty checks from active oil wells. Even if there are no wells right now if someone else owns the rights they can legally drive onto your property and start drilling which ruins the hunting and wrecks your peace and quiet. You absolutely must hire a lawyer to run a deep title search to find out who owns the mineral rights before you buy land in Louisiana.
What are typical land prices across Louisiana?
Based on recent rural land sales data, good farming land in the prime Delta parishes usually sells for 3000 to 6000 dollars per acre, especially if it is already set up to grow rice and soybeans with good drainage. Up north pine timberland in Red River, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes goes for 1200 to 2500 dollars per acre. Down south, if you want bottomland that is already set up with water pumps for duck hunting you will pay 2000 to 5000 dollars per acre in Cajun country. Coastal marshland for duck hunting is cheaper at 1000 to 3000 dollars per acre, but you run the risk of it washing away over time. If you buy land right next to Baton Rouge or Lafayette, you will pay a massive premium because developers want to build houses there.
