Why Focus on Undervalued Counties?
Population growth and urban sprawl are pushing prices higher in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville. Savvy buyers look to surrounding counties where land is cheaper but within commuting distance of job centers. Rural lifestyle demand also boosts value in scenic areas near mountains and lakes.
Top 5 Undervalued NC Counties for 2025
1. Burke County
Located between Charlotte and Asheville, Burke County offers mountain views, outdoor recreation, and prices significantly lower than Buncombe or Mecklenburg. Morganton is seeing steady growth, making rural acreage here attractive for long-term holds.
2. Cleveland County
Just west of Charlotte, Cleveland County has farmland and timberland trading well below neighboring Gaston and Mecklenburg. Shelby and Kings Mountain are poised for growth as manufacturing expands and I-85 traffic increases.
3. Rockingham County
North of Greensboro, Rockingham has affordable acreage with access to Hwy 29. With increasing spillover from Guilford County, investors are eyeing land for residential and recreational use.
4. Robeson County
Known for its size (NC’s largest county by area), Robeson has some of the lowest per-acre prices in the state. While it has challenges, demand for farmland and hunting land is rising as buyers seek large tracts.
5. Rutherford County
Close to Lake Lure and within reach of Asheville and Charlotte, Rutherford offers undervalued mountain land. Scenic appeal plus affordability make it popular for second homes, cabins, and recreational buyers.
Key Metrics to Watch
- Price per acre trends – track county tax data & MLS reports.
- Population growth – small % increases signal demand shift.
- Infrastructure projects – new highways, schools, factories drive land demand.
- Tourism appeal – mountain, lake, and river counties see seasonal demand.
Should You Invest in Rural Land Now?
Interest rates and migration patterns continue to shape the NC land market. Buying undervalued acreage now allows you to lock in lower prices before demand increases. Even if you don’t develop, holding land in strategic counties can yield strong appreciation.