Land for Sale in Ohio
The Buckeye State of Ohio is known for its sports history, amusement parks, museums, and exceptional production of corn. Considering it spans 44,826 square miles, there is plenty of land up for grabs in this mid-western state filled with some of the most exceptional cities, attractions, and natural wonders in the country. The question is: how can you find land for sale in Ohio?
As America’s seventh-largest state in population, the rush is to acquire quality land in Ohio for agricultural and commercial use. While there is still a lot of land in Ohio, it’s a hot commodity, so it’s important to act now while before it becomes less abundant.
Thankfully, we know just how to help you get it using the online search sources and other tools we’ve detailed in this article. We’ll also answer commonly asked questions regarding how much land costs in Ohio and which locations are best for budget-friendly land and unbeatable urban views.
Finding Land for Sale in Ohio
There is an abundance of available land in Ohio, both undeveloped and preowned, just ready for the taking. The challenge is finding it.
The best way to find land for sale in Ohio is through online search tools or listing websites dedicated to listing acres, farms, ranches, structures, and more that are available for purchase. Most are sold directly by the owner, but some are listed through third-party members. We recommend using sites such as:
Although each search tool is set up a little differently on every website, you’ll typically see the same information and filter options available.
If you are using the first six resources listed above, you’re most likely looking to purchase acreage versus a commercial lot for a city or townhome, or business. Therefore, you should expect to see filters and property listings with information regarding the properties:
- Region, county, or city
- Size by acreage
- Property type (house, undeveloped, farm, etc.)
- Cost per acreage or overall
- Square footage and features of structures (ex. utilities, bedrooms, bathrooms)
- Availability
- Sale type (by the owner, auction, third party)
- Resources and features on or near the property (ex. wells, waterways)
In addition to this information, most sellers provide a description of the property and detail the region’s climate, what crops typically succeed here, and any other relevant information or advice they deem necessary to entice or inform potential buyers.
If you’re looking more for commercial land where you can build or purchase a family home, you’re more likely to use the last two resources on our list, as they are dedicated more towards these consumers. You’ll find much of the same information as that listed above, but these sources will really focus on the listing’s structures (namely, the house) and what it has to offer versus focusing on what the land itself is like.
Farmland for Sale in Ohio
Land in Ohio is vastly diverse thanks to its profound cityscapes, sweeping hills and mountains from the Appalachian region, and plunging valleys and plateaus optimal for agriculture. In fact, raising crops and animals has been a mainstay of Ohio for over a century and a half. This is apparent in the percentage of land use below:
- Agriculture- 60%
- Forestland (public and private)- 33%
- Urban- 3%
- Other- 4%
Of that 60% of land used for agriculture, the majority is dedicated to corn production, rendering Ohio one of the top producers of corn in the world. This crop is used both for consumption and as the backbone of the ethanol industry. Therefore, much of the state is covered in sweeping fields of corn, which leads many to think there is little available land left for them to claim, but they’d be wrong.
If you’re intent on purchasing farmland in Ohio, we strongly recommend you use search tools, such as:
- Land Watch
- Land and Farm
- Lands of America
- Mossy Oaks Properties
- Land Flip
- Property Shark
These resources are specifically dedicated to helping farmers, ranchers, and individuals seeking large plots find available land that suits their needs.
You can also use sources like AcreValue to help you search acreage in Ohio based on its county, average acreage value, and The National Commodity Crop Productivity Index (NCCPI). The site also provides relevant information regarding how many fields are in this region and the average yield of the highest producing crops there.
AcreValue won’t show you available land to purchase, but it’s a fantastic place to start if you want to choose the best region in Ohio for your land first and then search for available land within that region.
Land for Sale by Owner in Ohio
Finding land for sale by the owner is a great way to skip the middleman of realtors or auctions and negotiate directly with the current owner. Ultimately, this method is often cheaper, quicker, and relatively hassle-free, as long as both parties are amicable.
However, it can be difficult to find land in Ohio that is for sale directly from the owner without simply driving around the area, hoping you’ll come across a homemade “For Sale” sign.
The best way to buy land directly from the owner in Ohio is to use the same online search tools we listed previously and find the ones under a filter labeled “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO). This is a clear sign that the land is listed and being sold by its current owner rather than through a third party.
Alternatively, you can use your networking skills to ask around your preferred region for anyone thinking about selling their land. There are also a number of people that will still list their properties on ads through the newspaper or the city website.
Although buying land directly from the owner can be a cost and time-efficient way to get decent land, it is also the riskiest way to obtain it. Therefore, make sure you have proper documentation and have contacted local authorities and hired a professional investigator before putting down any solid cash on a new land purchase.
Where is the Cheapest Land in Ohio?
As part of the Corn Belt, which spans the majority of the mid-west, cropland cash rent and value per acre has only increased over the past few years in Ohio, but there are still counties where you can find exceptional land at a budget-friendly cost.
There are no sources that definitively label which county has the cheapest land in Ohio. However, based on average acre value as stated by records on AcreValue, land located along the far western border of Ohio has some of the lowest value and should, therefore, be the cheapest.
This includes regions surrounding Celina, Van Wert, and Defiance, where land is valued at $7,000-10,000 per acre versus nearly $30,000 down south in Cincinnati or in central Columbus.
Unfortunately, low-value land might also mean the soil doesn’t perform well if your intention is to purchase it for farming or ranching. Therefore, you could alternatively opt for finding land in Ohio’s cheapest areas to live. This includes:
- Martins Ferry
- Wapakoneta
- Bellevue
- Kenton
- Clayton
- Clyde
- Coshocton
- Hubbard
- Fostoria
- Trenton
If the land is available in or around these cities and towns, it has a good chance of being offered at affordable prices. Ultimately, the best way to buy cheap land is to avoid large cities or highly populated towns, as they will often increase the plot’s cost. Stick to the western border as much as possible and lean towards the mid to northern towns and cities rather than the southern ones near Cincinnati.
How Much Does An Acre of Land Cost in Ohio?
Most land, regardless of where you purchase it, is labeled and sold by the acre. This makes the process easier for farmers or ranchers looking to invest in extensive stretches of land to grow crops and raise livestock. Knowing the cost per acre of your land will give you a better idea of what the land is worth and how much you’ll need in order to purchase the acreage you require.
In Ohio, the United States Department of Agriculture states the average farm real estate value is 6,350 per acre with a cash rent average of $156.00 per acre as of 2020.
These numbers had steadily increased over the past four years when the average real estate value was $6,010 per acre, and the cash rent average was $152.00 per acre in 2017. Therefore, one can conclude that the prices will continue to increase in the coming years, meaning the time to purchase affordable land in Ohio is now!
What is the Prettiest City in Ohio?
So far, we’ve placed an exceptional amount of focus on purchasing land in Ohio for farming, ranching, and individuals seeking large amounts of acreage for their private properties. However, despite 60% of Ohio’s land being designated for agriculture, the state also hosts some of the most vibrant and popular cities.
The prettiest city in Ohio is undoubtedly Cincinnati, as demonstrated by its ranking in U.S. News and World Report as the best city in Ohio to live in. The city has a vast array of beauty, from its architecture to natural attractions and more mixed with the inhabitant’s diverse cultures.
If you’re searching for the areas and attractions in Cincinnati with the most amazing views, we recommend purchasing land near or visiting:
- Bellevue Hill Park
- Newport on the Levee
- Eden Park
- The Music Hall
- The Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory
- Fountain Square
- Carew Tower
Each of these locations will provide breathtaking beauty, either natural or manmade, that will easily demonstrate why Cincinnati is the place to be if you want to live in a pretty city in Ohio. Another perk is that Cincinnati’s cost of living and property is far from the highest in Ohio state, despite its size and popularity. Therefore, you could feasibly find affordable land here without sacrificing views or your budget.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State is optimally located for individuals who intend to buy land for agriculture purposes. Considering the majority of the state’s land is dedicated to this purpose, with a particular focus on corn, you’d fit right in if you purchased Ohio land for farming or ranching. The cheapest land will be found along with the western border range from the mid to northern territory away from Cincinnati.
However, if you’re interested in purchasing land in Ohio for your new business or home, Cincinnati is by far the prettiest city in Ohio and surprisingly affordable to live in. Purchasing urban land here or rural land for agriculture is made easy with our listed online search tools, where you can purchase your slice of the Buckeye State from the owner or a third party with ease.