How Much Does One Acre of Land Cost in Utah?
Utah’s land market is one of the most diverse in the western United States. The price of a single acre can vary from a few thousand dollars in rural eastern counties to well over a million dollars in high demand resort areas. Because of this wide price range, buyers often feel unsure about what is considered realistic, affordable, or overpriced. Comparing regions helps paint a clearer picture of where value exists and what type of land buyers can expect within their budget. Duchesne County remains one of the most popular choices for affordable acreage, while Park City and Salt Lake County represent the higher end of the market. Understanding these differences is essential whether you are buying land for recreation, homesteading, a cabin, or long term investment.
Utah’s growth, outdoor recreation culture, and expanding housing demand continue to push interest in rural and suburban land. While some buyers focus on proximity to ski resorts or major employment centers, others choose land based on privacy, open space, and the freedom to live more self-sufficiently. Each region of Utah offers something different, and the price per acre reflects that.
How Much Does One Acre Cost in Duchesne County?
Duchesne County is one of the most affordable land markets in Utah. Many buyers look here first because it offers space, privacy, outdoor recreation, and realistic pricing. The cost of one acre in Duchesne varies based on access, utilities, terrain, and proximity to Starvation Reservoir or Highway 40, but prices remain significantly lower than the Wasatch Front.
Typical Cost Per Acre in Duchesne County:
$3,000 to $20,000+ per acre depending on improvements and location.
Raw off grid land with dirt road access is the lowest cost. Parcels with power, pads, wells, or year round access rise toward the higher end. Lake-view parcels or improved lots near Starvation Reservoir can reach even higher. Duchesne continues to attract homesteaders, recreational cabin buyers, and long term investors because it provides a lot of value per acre compared to the rest of the state.
How Much Does One Acre Cost in Park City (Summit County)?
Park City represents the highest priced land market in Utah outside of luxury lake communities. As a world class ski destination and one of the state’s strongest real estate markets, the cost of one acre here is dramatically higher than rural regions.
Typical Cost Per Acre in Park City/Summit County:
$500,000 to several million dollars per acre, depending on ski access, zoning, and development potential.
Even land outside the central resort area remains expensive due to demand, amenities, and strict land use regulations. Most buyers in Park City are not purchasing land for homesteading but for luxury homes, investment properties, and resort development. This region is the opposite end of the pricing spectrum from Duchesne County.
How Much Does One Acre Cost in Salt Lake County?
Salt Lake County is heavily developed, which means raw land is scarce and extremely valuable. The closer the parcel is to Salt Lake City or suburban areas such as Sandy, Draper, Herriman, or Millcreek, the higher the price becomes.
Typical Cost Per Acre in Salt Lake County:
$400,000 to over $1 million per acre for residential or commercial land.
Zoning drives most of the value. Buildable lots with access to utilities, paved roads, and established neighborhoods hold premium pricing. Because the land supply is limited, Salt Lake County does not offer affordable acreage for homesteading or recreational use. Buyers seeking space usually look to Tooele, Utah County’s outskirts, or farther east toward Duchesne.
How Much Does One Acre Cost in Utah County?
Utah County has experienced rapid growth due to Silicon Slopes, BYU, and major suburban expansion. Prices vary greatly depending on location.
Typical Cost Per Acre in Utah County:
$150,000 to over $500,000 per acre in populated zones.
$20,000 to $60,000 per acre in rural fringe areas like Elberta or Cedar Valley.
Land near Provo, Orem, Lehi, and Saratoga Springs commands high prices due to development pressure, schools, and conveniences. The western desert portions of the county offer more affordable acreage but usually come without utilities.
Why Duchesne Remains Utah’s Best Value Per Acre
When comparing Duchesne to Park City, Salt Lake County, Utah County, and other central regions, the difference is clear. Duchesne provides:
More acreage for the price
Fewer zoning restrictions
Strong recreational access
Privacy and open space
Owner financing options
Flexibility for cabins, RVs, camping, or future homesites
While Park City and Salt Lake cater to luxury buyers and dense development, Duchesne offers something entirely different: realistic land ownership for everyday families.
Duchesne is also one of the few counties where buyers can still find 5 to 10 acres at prices that remain accessible. With a mix of off grid parcels, lake-area subdivisions, and mountain mesa properties, the variety of options continues to draw long term investors and new homesteaders alike.
Final Thoughts
The cost of one acre in Utah depends heavily on location. Park City and Salt Lake County sit at the top of the market with some of the highest land prices in the state. Utah County follows closely due to rapid population growth. Sanpete and parts of Carbon and Uintah provide moderate pricing and rural charm. Duchesne County stands out as the most affordable region with genuine value, open space, and flexibility for buyers who want land without the high price tag.
Whether you want a weekend retreat, a future cabin site, or a long term investment, understanding these regional differences helps you make a confident decision. For buyers seeking acreage that is both accessible and scenic, Duchesne continues to be one of Utah’s strongest markets.