Texas has no shortage of land, but location determines value, usability, and long-term returns. Some counties offer affordable entry points while others command premium prices for good reasons. Smart buyers study population trends, job markets, and infrastructure development before making moves.
The state keeps growing, but that growth happens unevenly. Counties near major metros see the fastest appreciation. Rural areas offer more acres for your money, but slower value increases. People buy land for different reasons, like hunters want different features than farmers, investors look at growth patterns, while retirees focus on lifestyle amenities.
1. Walker County (Eastern Texas)
Population: 79,870 | Median Income: $52,336 | Growth Rate: +1.4% annually
Walker County sits right between Houston and Dallas along Interstate 45, which drives demand from both metros. Huntsville anchors the county with Sam Houston State University, bringing stability and year-round activity. You can find everything from weekend hunting properties to family home sites here.
Sam Houston National Forest covers huge portions of the county, giving private landowners access to thousands of additional acres for recreation. Most properties feature mature pine forests and hardwood bottoms that consistently produce good deer, turkey, and hog hunting. Current land prices run $5,000 to $10,000 per acre, depending on improvements and distance from I-45. Properties right along the interstate corridor cost more, but areas further out offer better values for buyers wanting larger acreage.
2. Anderson County (Eastern Texas)
Population: 59,312 | Median Income: 61,214 | Poverty Rate: 17%
Anderson County combines rural charm with practical advantages that make sense for buyers. Palestine serves as the county seat and provides good services without big city headaches. The area stays affordable compared to counties closer to major metros, but you still get reasonable access to Tyler and Dallas when needed.
Property taxes remain manageable here, and the county welcomes both agricultural and recreational land use. Most properties feature a mix of pasture and timber land with rolling hills that create natural building sites and good drainage. Many tracts include ponds or seasonal creeks that support wildlife. Agricultural exemptions help keep carrying costs low for buyers planning to hold land long-term. Prices typically run $4,000 to $8,000 per acre, making this county accessible for first-time land buyers.
3. Houston County (Eastern Texas)
Population: 23,110 | Median Income: $57,021 | Poverty Rate: 16.3%
Houston County offers some of the best hunting and timber properties in Eastern Texas. The county borders Davy Crockett National Forest, which adds thousands of acres of adjacent public land that benefits private owners. Crockett provides basic services and good access to Interstate 45 when you need it.
Heavy timber covers most of the county, with creek bottoms holding mature hardwoods. Many properties feature significant elevation changes that create hilltop home sites with valley views below. Water comes from year-round creeks, ponds, and wells throughout the area. This county consistently produces trophy deer and has strong populations of turkey and other game. Land typically runs $4,000 to $7,000 per acre, offering solid value for timber and hunting properties.
4. Llano County (Central Texas)
Population: 22,791 | Median Income: $65,636 | Growth Rate: +1.7% annually
Llano County earned the nickname “Deer Capital of Texas” because the granite-based soil grows bigger deer than most areas. The Llano River provides year-round water access that commands premium prices. This Hill Country location puts you close enough to Fredericksburg tourism while maintaining rural character.
Granite outcroppings and oak trees create the classic Hill Country look that buyers pay top dollar to own. Riverfrontage properties often exceed $25,000 per acre, while interior properties without water features still bring $10,000 to $18,000 per acre. The area offers outstanding hunting, wildflower displays, and year-round outdoor activities. Tourism growth continues, driving demand from weekend home buyers who want the Hill Country lifestyle.
5. Kerr County (Hill Country)
Population: 54,892 | Median Income: $67,927 | Median Age: 48.2 years
Kerr County represents the premium Hill Country market centered around Kerrville. Proximity to Fredericksburg and reasonable access to San Antonio make this county popular with retirees and second-home buyers. The Guadalupe River system provides water access, and rolling hills offer endless scenic building sites.
Ranch properties here often include improvements like guest houses, barns, and road systems already in place. Many tracts feature live water from creeks or river frontage that adds significant value. Hill Country tourism brings strong rental potential for properly located properties. Prices reflect the premium market with improved properties exceeding $30,000 per acre. Raw land starts around $12,000 to $15,000 per acre but good properties move quickly when priced right.
6. Fayette County (South-Central Texas)
Population: 26,129 | Median Income: $76,541 | Growth Rate: +2.2% annually
Fayette County offers a perfect balance for buyers wanting access without big city prices. The county sits roughly equidistant from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, providing options for work or entertainment. La Grange anchors the county with good services and historic downtown charm, while Round Top draws visitors for antiques and events.
Rich soil supports productive farming and ranching operations throughout the area. Many properties combine agriculture with recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing. Rural water service reaches most areas, and agricultural exemptions help control carrying costs. Property values remain reasonable at $6,000 to $10,000 per acre for most tracts. The central location should support steady appreciation as Texas metros continue expanding.
7. Wise County (North Texas)
Population: 74,585 | Median Income: $89,897 | Growth Rate: +3.3% annually
Wise County benefits from Dallas-Fort Worth expansion while maintaining its rural character that attracts buyers seeking space. Decatur provides county services, and the area draws commuters willing to drive for affordable land and lower taxes. Growth continues pushing northwest from the DFW metro, bringing infrastructure improvements and value appreciation.
Mixed terrain includes prairie, timber, and creek bottoms with properties often featuring ponds and scattered trees. Rural water service covers most areas, and natural gas is frequently available for homes and businesses. Land prices start around $7,000 to $12,000 per acre for basic properties and increase based on improvements and location. The growth trajectory suggests continued appreciation for well-located tracts as DFW expansion continues.
8. Bosque County (Central Texas)
Population: 19,574 | Median Income: $69,339 | Growth Rate: +1.5% annually
Bosque County provides Hill Country scenery at more affordable prices than counties closer to Austin. Clifton serves as a charming county seat with antique shops and local restaurants. Lake Whitney adds recreational opportunities and potential water access for those wanting lake proximity.
Rolling hills and scattered timber create attractive landscapes throughout the county. Many properties include creek frontage or pond sites that support both cattle operations and recreational uses. Properties near Lake Whitney command higher prices while interior tracts offer good values for buyers. Expect to pay $6,000 to $12,000 per acre, depending on water access and improvements.
9. Palo Pinto County (Northwest Texas)
Population: 30,847 | Growth Rate: +1.4% annually | Lake Access: Premium pricing
Palo Pinto County centers around Possum Kingdom Lake, one of Texas’s premier recreation destinations. The area attracts weekend property buyers from Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond who want lake access. Clear water, rocky shorelines, and hill country terrain create a unique appeal for cabin sites and investment properties.
Lake properties command premium prices based on water access and views of the surrounding hills. Interior properties offer more affordable options while still providing lake area amenities and recreation opportunities. Terrain varies from flat to hilly with scattered timber and rock outcroppings. Prices range from $5,000 to $8,000 per acre for basic properties to $20,000 plus for direct lake access. Recreation and tourism support strong rental markets for property owners.
10. Brazoria County (Southeast Texas)
Population: 388,483 | Median Income: $95,155 | Growth Rate: +2.6% annually
Brazoria County combines agricultural productivity with proximity to Houston, which makes it attractive for different buyer types. The county offers opportunities for farming, ranching, or long-term development as Houston continues expanding. Good soil supports row crops and cattle operations that provide income while holding for appreciation.
Flat terrain and rich soil characterize most of the county, with properties often including irrigation systems and agricultural improvements. Some areas offer potential industrial or residential development asthe Houston metro growth pushes outward. Current agricultural use provides income streams while buyers hold for appreciation. Productive farmland brings $8,000 to $15,000 per acre based on soil quality and location.
11. Liberty County (Eastern Texas)
Population: 108,272 | Median Income: $67,512 | Growth Rate: +5.7% annually
Liberty County positions buyers between Houston and the East Texas timber belt. The area maintains a rural character while providing reasonable metro access when needed. Cleveland and Liberty provide basic services, and the county attracts buyers seeking affordable acreage for homes, hunting, or investment.
Mixed pine and hardwood timber covers much of the county, with properties frequently including creek frontage or wet areas that support wildlife. Hunting remains strong for buyers wanting recreational opportunities. Agricultural exemptions help control property taxes for larger tracts. Land prices range from $4,500 to $8,000 per acre, making this county accessible for various buyer types and budgets.
12. Cherokee County (Eastern Texas)
Population: 52,819 | Median Income: $62,383 | Growth Rate: +0.6% annually
Cherokee County offers diverse terrain and reasonable prices near Tyler in East Texas. Rolling hills, timber, and agricultural areas provide options for different land uses. Rusk serves as a county seat with good services, and the area attracts buyers seeking recreational properties or scenic homesites within reach of East Texas amenities.
Timber management provides income opportunities on many properties throughout the county. Soil quality supports farming and food plots for wildlife management. Many tracts include ponds, creeks, or springs that add value. The area consistently produces good deer hunting and has populations of turkey and other game. Properties typically run $4,000 to $7,500 per acre based on improvements and access.
13. Gillespie County (Hill Country)
Population: 28,013 | Median Income: $70,645 | Median Age: 50.5 years
Gillespie County represents the heart of Hill Country tourism, centered around Fredericksburg. German heritage, wineries, and weekend events draw visitors year-round, creating strong demand for investment properties and vacation rentals. The area commands premium prices but offers excellent appreciation potential and rental income opportunities.
Oak trees, granite outcroppings, and creek systems create the classic Hill Country landscape that buyers search for. Many properties include vineyards or have potential for wine grape production that adds agricultural income. Tourism infrastructure supports short-term rental markets for property owners. Properties near town bring the highest prices while ranch land further out offers more affordable options. Expect $15,000 to $30,000 per acre for most properties.
14. Burnet County (Highland Lakes Region)
Population: 56,916 | Median Income: $77,158 | Growth Rate: +2.7% annually
Burnet County benefits from lake access and proximity to Austin, which drives buyer interest. Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake provide year-round water recreation, while the area attracts weekend home buyers and retirees seeking hill country amenities with lake access. Continued Austin growth pushes demand westward, supporting property values.
Lake properties command premium prices based on water access and views, while hill country terrain away from lakes offers more affordable options. Many properties feature oak trees, granite formations, and seasonal creeks that add natural beauty. Tourism and lake activities support rental markets for investors. Prices range from $8,000 to $20,000 per acre, depending on water access and proximity to Austin.
15. Grimes County (Eastern Texas)
Population: 33,598 | Median Income: $66,129 | Growth Rate: +3.75% annually
Grimes County positions buyers between College Station and Houston along the Highway 6 corridor. This location provides access to both metros while maintaining a rural character that appeals to buyers. Navasota anchors the county with good services, and the area attracts buyers seeking affordable land with growth potential.
Mixed agriculture and timber characterize most properties with rolling terrain that provides good building sites and drainage. Many tracts include ponds or creek frontage that supports both agricultural and recreational uses. Texas A&M University’s proximity brings stability and potential rental markets. Property values range from $5,000 to $10,000 per acre, offering good value with appreciation potential as metros expand.
Where to Buy Land with Us
Homeland Properties brings over three decades of experience helping clients find the right land in Texas. We understand what makes properties valuable and can guide you toward land that fits both your immediate needs and long-term goals. Our team knows the local markets better than anyone else in the region.
We maintain relationships with landowners throughout Texas, giving our clients access to properties before they hit the public market. Many of our best deals never get advertised because we match buyers with sellers directly through our network. Our listings include timberland, recreational tracts, and rural homesites across multiple counties. You can explore our current inventory of Land for Sale in Texas or reach out to discuss your specific land buying goals and get matched with the right property for your situation.
