Missouri land keeps holding its value, and it's doing it steadily. Whether you own a row-crop farm up north, pasture in the west, or timbered hunting ground in the Ozarks, the latest numbers are good news for landowners and still offer real opportunity for buyers.
Here's a look at what land is bringing across the state and why Missouri remains one of the most appealing land markets in the Midwest.
Statewide Values Continue to Climb
The USDA's 2026 Land Values Summary, released this summer, puts Missouri farm real estate at an average of $5,200 per acre, up 4% from last year. Cropland averages $5,310 per acre and pastureland $2,850.
Nationally, farmland values have now risen six years in a row, and cropland topped $6,000 per acre for the first time. Missouri is part of the Corn Belt region, which continues to post some of the strongest values in the country.
For landowners, that means steady equity growth. For buyers, Missouri still offers more acreage for the money than many neighboring states.
Timber and Hunting Land Are Leading the Way
Timber and recreational ground are the standout categories in Missouri right now. The University of Missouri Extension's most recent Farmland Values Opinion Survey found timberland posted the largest increase of any land type, up 14.7% to an average of $5,185 per acre. Hunting and recreational land rose 7.7% to an average of $5,073 per acre.
That tracks with what we're seeing across rural markets. More buyers want land they can enjoy: a deer stand at the edge of a hardwood ridge, a pond to fish on summer evenings, or a quiet getaway a few hours from the city. Missouri's mix of timber, water and wildlife makes it a natural fit.
How Values Vary by Region
Location and land type make a big difference in Missouri. According to the MU Extension survey:
North and Northeast Missouri remain row-crop country. Good cropland in the Northeast region averages over $10,000 per acre, with the Northwest close behind.
Southwest Missouri has some of the strongest pasture values in the state, with good pastureland averaging over $7,300 per acre, and recreational land around $6,000.
The East region, including areas near St. Louis, carries higher values across most land types thanks to its proximity to the metro area.
South Central Missouri, the heart of the Ozarks, offers the state's most accessible entry point. Hunting and recreational land here averaged around $2,800 per acre and timberland about $3,000. For buyers, that's a chance to own sizable acreage with creeks, hardwoods and abundant wildlife at a price that's hard to find elsewhere. For current owners, statewide growth in timber and recreational values is a strong sign of where demand is heading.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
If you're thinking about selling, steady values and strong interest in recreational and timbered ground put Missouri landowners in a good position. Properties with good access, water, mature timber and wildlife habitat tend to draw the most attention.
If you're looking to buy, Missouri's range of land types and prices means there's a property for nearly every goal and budget, from productive farmland to a weekend hunting retreat.
Every tract is different, and county-level values can vary widely from state averages. Our team knows Missouri land and can help you understand what your property is worth or find the right piece of ground for you.