Colorado has historically been considered a great area to invest in land, and the popularity of the state continues to grow, both in agriculture and recreation. It’s undeniable that the state with 66 million acres of land, where 36% of the overall acreage is managed by federal agencies and designated for parks and forests, is an attractive place to live.
Colorado has a very wide range of land values, and they are highly dependent on location.
Ranches and Agricultural Land Prices in Colorado
Agricultural land and rural lots are going to be considered much more inexpensive, ranging from $600 to $5,000 per acre.
The most affordable counties a located in the Eastern Plains and include Powers, Costilla, Cheyenne, Washington, and Alamosa Counties, with the prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,600 per acre. This will include primarily agriculturally zoned land in more rural areas. Areas like Las Animas and Baca Counties offer land as low as $700-$1,000 per acre.
Agricultural and recreational land on the Western Slope will range from $2,000 to $10,000 per acre. Mesa, Delta, and Garfield Counties are undeniably some of the best Colorado counties for ranching and agricultural use.
Recreational Investment Land in Colorado
Any land in ski resort towns or surrounding communities will be priced at a premium, with per-acre cost ranging from $50,000 to 2M+. Eagle, Grand, and Pitkin Counties are some of the most favorable places for income generation via seasonal property rentals, resulting in very high costs per acre at purchase.
Front Range and Urban Land in Colorado
The areas with mountains and forests are priced much higher, with the least affordable land surrounding urban areas like Denver, where the prices can range from $45,000 to $1.5M per acre. Counties like Denver, Jefferson, Adams, and Arapahoe will be some of the most expensive, offering the convenience of proximity to the state’s capital, ranked as number 19th highest populous city in the United States.
The diversity of the landscape in Colorado makes it an ideal place for ranching and agricultural operations. The state has recorded a steady increase in land values over decades, and the highly populated areas have recorded major investment gains. Consider Colorado when thinking about a new real estate investment opportunity and a fantastic place to raise a family and retire.