Not quite the Midwest and not quite the South, Oklahoma is a convergence of climates, landscapes, and cultures. With tall mountains and sea-level plains alike, Oklahoma also strikes a balance between urban and rural, industry and agriculture.
Perhaps these versatile qualities are what give Oklahoma one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, all while maintaining one of the lowest costs of living. As a result, Oklahoma has significant potential for long-term land investments.
From the lush woodlands in the southeast to the bustling capital city, Oklahoma contains a wide diversity of properties for prospective landowners. Whether you’re interested in buying land in Oklahoma for the first time or as a long-term investment, there are countless opportunities waiting to be explored.
Why Invest in Oklahoma Land?
Oklahoma is full of diverse terrain, ecosystems, and places to live. The Sooner State spans western ranges, central plains, and eastern woods, all with different opportunities for long-term investment. If you’re new to the market, learn why Oklahoma is a hidden gem for first-time land buyers and start planning your property journey.
First, Oklahoma is an extremely affordable state, often topping lists for the lowest costs of living in the United States. Oklahoma City is no exception: it’s in first place for the cheapest living among cities with over 500,000 people.
Oklahoma is also positioned at the forefront of economic growth. It is home to a thriving agricultural industry, as well as the commercial, industrial, and cultural hubs of Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Its statewide GDP grows consistently every year, with data suggesting that Oklahoma’s economic growth is higher than the overall national average.
On Land.com, browse a wide variety of listings tailored to your specific investment goals. Filter our land for sale in Oklahoma to discover the perfect properties for farming, ranching, hunting, urban development, recreation, and more.
Oklahoma City Metro Area: A Hub for Residential and Commercial Growth
The Oklahoma City metro area, also known as the Greater Oklahoma City area, consists of 10 counties and numerous communities. This region is a growing economic hub thanks to an expanding population, new residential and commercial development, and increased tourism.
In the last five years, Oklahoma City has seen the development of over 200 new expansions and the creation of more than 21,000 new jobs. Over 7.5 million tourists visit the city every year, bringing in around $2.1 billion in direct spending.
The area’s fastest-growing industries include:
- Restaurants and food services
- Medical and surgical hospitals
- Warehousing and storage
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Contracting and construction
Increased demand and economic growth bring high potential for long-term returns.
Tulsa and Surrounding Regions: A Thriving Market for Urban Expansion
Tulsa has a smaller population than Oklahoma City, but it’s not lacking in potential for urban and suburban land investments.
Over one million people live throughout the nine counties in the greater Tulsa region, and that number grows every year. The last several years have seen the creation of over 15,000 new jobs in a variety of industries such as financial operations, architecture and engineering, education, and food service.
Tulsa boasts significant appeal for residential and commercial development projects thanks to the city’s:
- Affordability – A low cost of living attracts both investors and new residents.
- Strong rental market – Growing job opportunities and nearby universities make real estate a worthwhile investment.
- Tax breaks and grants – These and other incentives spur business and job growth.
- Well-connected location – In the center of the country, Tulsa is connected by highways, railroads, and an airport.
Explore options for urban development in Tulsa on Land.com.
McCurtain County: Affordable Land with Untapped Potential
Located in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, McCurtain County is a hidden gem for land investment. The real estate market and vacation rental industry are booming in this woodland pocket, making it one of the best places to buy rural land in Oklahoma.
This densely wooded area is home to many areas of wilderness conservation, with a wide variety of native plants, mammals, and fish. This makes it a hotspot for recreational and eco-tourism development. McCurtain County has been named one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the country, with the number of cabin rentals growing by a whopping 300% in the last few years.
Scenic McCurtain County is ideal for prospective landowners and investors alike. It is the perfect place for vacation rentals, outdoor excursions, new dining options, and more.
Discover wooded acreage and hunting land for sale in McCurtain County on Land.com.
Canadian County: An Agricultural Powerhouse with Growth Potential
Named after the Canadian River, Canadian County is located just outside of Oklahoma City in the central part of the state.
If you’re interested in agricultural investments, look no further than the farms for sale in Canadian County. It is known for its fertile farmland, making it one of the most popular regions for cropland and pastures. Healthy soil, expansive prairies, and grazing pastures are perfect for planting crops, raising livestock, and building a homestead.
The county’s proximity to Oklahoma City also makes it an ideal area for rural residential investments. When residents decide they want less of an urban lifestyle but don’t want to be too far away, Canadian County is the perfect distance. Your land could become a residential development with significant long-term returns.
Woods County: Opportunities in Energy and Agriculture
In the northwestern part of the state, just shy of the panhandle, Woods County comprises over 800,000 acres of farmland. This rural area sees over $7 million in overall farm-related incomes, a 123% increase since the previous agriculture census.
The land is well-suited to growing crops, raising livestock and poultry, and selling related products. Farms for sale often include residential homesteads and barns, and if not, it is easy to request a building permit. Woods County also offers opportunities for oil wells and gas production, providing diverse long-term revenue streams.
The state of Oklahoma offers various loan programs to help landowners and farmers get started. These programs include:
- Facility loans – To renovate or build farm facilities and structures
- Beginning farmers and ranchers loans – Helping landowners within their first 10 years of purchase
- Farm ownership loans – To help cover down payments, closing costs, or renovations
- Minority and women farmers and ranchers loan – Federal assistance for historically underserved farmers and ranchers, including women, African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
These loans help improve access to investments in Woods County land.
The Red River Region: A Prime Location for Hunting and Recreation
Linking the Great Plains with the Mississippi River Valley, the Red River runs through the southwestern Oklahoma plains. The region is ideal for ranching thanks to the short grasses, open flatlands, and water sources.
It is also popular for hunting and fishing, all legally regulated by the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. Game species include:
- Ducks
- Geese
- Quail
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Raccoons
- Deer (archery only)
- Crawfish
The Red River region is a prime choice for recreational landowners thanks to the range of outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and hunting and fishing permits. Browse ranches for sale on Land.com.
Cleveland County: A Growing Suburban Market
Bordered by Oklahoma City to the north and the Canadian River to the south, Cleveland County is a rapidly growing suburban hub. The perfect in-between for town dwellers or city slickers, this area is ideal for residential and mixed-use land investments.
Cleveland County is home to the University of Oklahoma, drawing students and educators to the area, and it is also populated by professionals who commute into Oklahoma City for work. The county also contains various rural communities featuring farms, ranches, and rolling fields. In this way, Cleveland County offers a small-town vibe just a stone’s throw from the big city.
Thanks to these qualities, Cleveland County has high development potential for residential, recreational, and agricultural land.
Northeastern Oklahoma: Ideal for Farmland and Small-Town Charm
Northeastern Oklahoma, also known as Green Country, is characterized by fertile soil, charming small towns, and outdoor recreation.
This region is ideal for buyers seeking long-term value in rural areas. The nutrient-packed soil is successful cropland, the numerous lakes and rivers provide natural water sources, and verdant prairies serve as livestock grazing pastures. When browsing farms for sale in Oklahoma, you can’t go wrong with the Northeast region.
As we mentioned, Oklahoma offers a range of state loan programs to help landowners get their farms up and running, perfect for beginner agricultural investments in Northeastern Oklahoma.
Find Your Ideal Oklahoma Property with Land.com
Now that we’ve proven Oklahoma’s potential for long-term land value, it’s time to find your dream property. Head to Land.com, the nation’s leading online network for rural real estate.
Browse farms, ranches, and residential land for sale in Oklahoma using our convenient search tools. Filter by acreage, price, property type, region, and more.
Then partner with a local land specialist for help with property recommendations, negotiation, and closing a deal. Our real estate agents know the ins and outs of rural land, providing valuable insights throughout the entire buying process.
Find a land professional today to get started on your Oklahoma land investment.
Sources:
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. OKC RANKED NO. 1 FOR LOWEST COST OF LIVING AMONG LARGE CITIES. https://www.greateroklahomacity.com/news/2024/02/02/accolade/okc-ranked-no.-1-for-lowest-cost-of-living-among-large-cities/.
Oklahoma Historical Society. Environment and Cultural Ecology. https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=EN007.
USA Facts. Economy of Oklahoma. https://usafacts.org/topics/economy/state/oklahoma/.
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Economic Development. https://www.okcchamber.com/index.php?submenu=EconomicDevelopment&src=gendocs&ref=EconomicDevelopment&category=EconomicDevelopment.
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Data Center. https://www.greateroklahomacity.com/subdoingbusiness/data-center/#li-modal.
Tulsa Regional Chamber Economic Development. Grow Your Business in Tulsa. https://tulsasfuture.com/grow-your-business-in-tulsa/economic-profile/.
LinkedIn. Why Tulsa, Oklahoma is a Hotspot for Real Estate Investment in 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-tulsa-oklahoma-hotspot-real-estate-investment-2024-blaxton-m1d6e/.
Life and Land Magazine. The Oklahoma Cabin Rush A Spotlight on McCurtain County. https://lifeandlandmagazine.com/the-oklahoma-cabin-rush-a-spotlight-on-mccurtain-county/.
Oklahoma State University. Land Use and Land Cover for Oklahoma. http://soilphysics.okstate.edu/S257/ok/landuse.htm#range_pasture.
USDA. 2022 Census of Agriculture. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Oklahoma/cp40151.pdf.
USDA. Oklahoma State Programs. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Oklahoma/programs.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Red River. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-08/red-river-hunt-web-version-2024.pdf.
Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. About the County. https://www.ccso-ok.us/205/About-the-County.
Travel Oklahoma. Northeast Region. https://www.travelok.com/regions/northeast_region.
