Texas Land Prices: What You Need to Know Before Buying

When you hear Texas land prices, the cost of buying undeveloped or rural property in the state of Texas, often influenced by location, zoning, and infrastructure access. Also known as Texas real estate land, it's not just about acreage—it's about what’s nearby, what’s allowed, and who else wants it. Over the last five years, land prices in Texas have jumped more than 60% in high-demand areas like Williamson County and near Austin’s tech corridor. That’s not a typo. A five-acre plot that sold for $120,000 in 2019 now goes for over $200,000—and sometimes double that if it’s close to a new highway or water source.

What’s driving this? It’s not speculation alone. People are moving here. Texas added over 1.5 million residents since 2020, and most aren’t renting apartments—they’re buying land to build homes, cabins, or small farms. That pushes demand. But here’s the catch: not all land is equal. A piece of land in West Texas might cost $2,000 an acre and have no electricity or well. Meanwhile, a similar-sized plot near Houston with access to utilities, sewer, and a 10-minute drive to a school can cost $50,000 an acre. The difference isn’t just location—it’s zoning, local government rules that determine what you can build or do on the land. Some counties let you put up a tiny home or a tiny business. Others require a minimum 2,000-square-foot house and ban anything else. Skip checking zoning, and you could buy land you can’t even build on.

Then there’s infrastructure, the basic systems like roads, water, power, and internet that make land usable. Many buyers assume if the land is cheap, it’s a deal. But if you have to pay $80,000 to run a septic system, drill a well, and pull in power from a mile away, your "bargain" just turned into a money pit. That’s why smart buyers look at maps—not just listings. They check county GIS portals for utility lines, flood zones, and future road plans. Some land looks empty now, but if a new data center or Walmart is planned nearby, prices will spike in 18 months.

You’ll also see a lot of land being sold by out-of-state investors. They’re not living there. They’re betting on growth. That means competition isn’t just from locals—it’s from hedge funds, LLCs, and people who’ve never set foot in Texas. If you’re looking to buy for personal use, you need to move faster than them. Get pre-approved for land loans (they’re different from home loans), know your budget including taxes and fees, and don’t wait for the "perfect" plot. The best deals vanish fast.

And don’t forget taxes. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes? They’re among the highest in the U.S. A $200,000 piece of land might carry $4,000–$6,000 in annual taxes. That’s not optional. Miss a payment, and you risk losing the land. Some counties offer ag exemptions if you raise livestock or farm, but you need to apply and prove activity every year. It’s not a loophole—it’s a requirement.

Below, you’ll find real examples of what people are asking about Texas land: how to claim it legally, what’s happening near Dallas versus El Paso, how much it costs to build on it, and why some buyers are walking away from deals they thought were golden. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re from people who’ve been there, signed contracts, and learned the hard way. Whether you’re looking to build a weekend cabin, start a small farm, or invest for the long term, the answers here will save you time, money, and stress.