Why You Should Buy Land in Oklahoma? Ranches, Farms in OK

The Benefits of Buying Land in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of the most productive states in the country. People who buy land in Oklahoma can access lucrative agriculture, energy, and livestock industries. Also, thanks to Oklahoma’s many protected parks, lakes, and forests, this is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, fishers, and hunters.

Although Oklahoma is best known for its exports like wheat, natural gas, and cattle, it has become a hub for technological innovation and higher education. Oklahoma City and Tulsa now rank as some of the most affordable metropolitan areas, and both have bustling universities and business headquarters.

No matter where you buy land in Oklahoma, there are plenty of opportunities for growth in diverse sectors.

The Different Types of Land You Can Buy in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is far from just boring flatland. In fact, this state has a total of ten ecological zones, including everything from prairies to mountain highlands. Outside big cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, every land buyer will find plenty of rich agricultural land, forested areas, mesas, and cross timbers.

How to Buy Land in Oklahoma

The easiest way to buy land in Oklahoma is to work with a professional land broker. An online Oklahoma land broker will help you organize all of your paperwork and submit them to the relevant local authorities.

The Process of Buying Land in Oklahoma

To buy land in Oklahoma, you’ll need to work with a local land broker who can help you register lots with your chosen county. Those interested in using their land to farm and build a silo, raise livestock on a ranch or farm, or extract natural resources must work with relevant institutions like the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture or the Oklahoma Department of Energy.

The Cost of Buying Land in Oklahoma

According to data from Oklahoma State University, the price for land in Oklahoma hit a max cap of $9,000 per acre in 2021. However, it’s still possible to find acreage in Oklahoma in the $1,500 – $2,000 range. As with the real estate market, the price of Oklahoma land is highly dependent on what county you’re in. You’ll need to explore the average costs per acre in your desired Oklahoma pasture territories.

The Best Places to Buy Land in Oklahoma

Finding the “best” county to purchase land in Oklahoma depends on what you want to do with your property. Those who wish to harvest grain need to stick with fertile fields that are good for agriculture. Others may prioritize densely forested land for timber and wildlife or areas near an Oklahoma lake, creek, or pond for fishing opportunities. There are also specific zones better suited for Oklahoma’s energy industries, like crude oil and natural gas extraction.

While there are many great places to buy land in Oklahoma, here are a few counties that stand out for their value:

The Worst Places to Buy Land in Oklahoma

Like choosing the “best” place in Oklahoma, avoiding the “worst” land depends on your preferences. Overall, Oklahoma’s crime rate is average compared with other US states at roughly 4.6 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. However, Oklahoma’s property crime tends to be slightly above the national average.

Since most of Oklahoma’s population lives in metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, these tend to be the most crime-prone areas. However, these regions also have more business and educational opportunities, which may make for lucrative house opportunities.

Overall, Oklahoma has an abundance of land options to offer investors, so choosing the “worst” location largely depends on your investment goals.

How to Finance the Purchase of Land in Oklahoma

Every Oklahoma land broker has different options investors could use to finance their purchases. While you could pay outright for your land parcels, there are also longer-term options to pay off your land in the Sooner State. Review the various payment plans to discover what works for your financial situation.

The Pros and Cons of Buying Land in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a highly desirable state for many reasons, but a few of the most notable pros include the following:

Access to fertile fields well-suited for agriculture, especially wheat.
Plenty of outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing opportunities.
Growing metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City with access to many high-quality businesses, hospitals, and universities.
Home to some of the nation’s most lucrative natural gas, oil, and livestock industries.

However, you should consider a few negatives before jumping into the Oklahoma market. Most notably, many residents complain about the long & muggy summer weather with the potential for thunderstorms. You also have to be wary of tornadoes if you’re buying land in Oklahoma. Also, recent crime statistics suggest Oklahoma has above-average rates of property crime.

It’s imperative for Oklahoma landowners to double-check the insurance policies for their property.

What to Do Once You’ve Bought Land in Oklahoma

Depending on the land you have in Oklahoma, you could immediately start farming, refining, or doing business. You may need to build out buildings and invest in a tractor in a meadow for agriculture. If you bought your property for leisure, you could also take advantage of Oklahoma’s many natural hiking trails, mountains, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Those who bought land near Oklahoma’s densely-populated cities could also consider building housing for families or students. The number of things to do in Oklahoma land is virtually endless.

What is the size of the land?

Oklahoma is made up of just under 45 million acres. However, remember that the federal government owns roughly 1.6 percent of Oklahoma’s territory.

What is the price?

Acreage in Oklahoma varies by county, but data suggests the median sale range is around $1,500 – $2,000 per acre as of 2022. Again, this rate fluctuates depending on market demand and location, so be sure to do detailed research into whatever county area you’re interested in.

What is the climate like?

Technically, Oklahoma has two climate zones: humid subtropical and semi-arid. The subtropical zone is dominated in the east, while the semi-arid region is in the west. No matter where you are in the state, you can expect long and hot summers that are frequently uncomfortably muggy. While the winters aren’t as brutal in Oklahoma versus other Great Plains states, you could get a lot of snow in the panhandle.

Tornadoes are one of the greatest weather threats in Oklahoma. Anyone thinking about moving to this state needs to have a tornado plan in place to protect their property. You might also want to consider installing a windmill at your farmhouse.

What is the quality of the soil?

The main soil type in many of Oklahoma’s counties is known as Port silt loam. This soil is fertile and forms the base for many of Oklahoma’s agricultural products (e.g., grain, corn, and oats) as well as its rich grass for grazing animals. It’s estimated over 30 Oklahoma counties have Port silt loam, which accounts for Oklahoma’s vital agricultural industry.

What is the water availability?

According to Oklahoma’s Water Resources Board, the state has many groundwater and surface water sources. Currently, there’s about 390 million acre-feet of water in groundwater basins, and there are thousands of miles of rivers, plus over 1,400 square miles of lakes.

What is the terrain like?

Oklahoma has a wide variety of ecosystems, but the most dominant terrain is the flat Red Beds Plains in the state’s center. While the plains dominate most of Oklahoma’s terrain, there are also many mountainous regions like the Ouachita Mountains and mesas which make for great hunting land or a place for camping or building your getaway cabin.

What are the zoning and boundaries regulations?

Oklahoma’s zoning and fence regulations vary greatly depending on the county in which you’re purchasing land. It’s best to consult the local municipalities in your Oklahoma county to see what zoning restrictions apply to your proposed property map. You could consider speaking with an Oklahoma land seller if you have additional questions about your barn, field, or homestead.

What are the building restrictions?

While building restrictions vary between OK counties, you can find more info on building in this state by reviewing the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission’s website. If you’re thinking of building properties in Oklahoma, please contact the OUBCC with any specific questions about your project.