Land Investing in Utah: Top Counties and Regions to Explore in 2025

by matt hammerly August 6, 2025

Introduction: Why Utah for Land Investing? 💡

Utah, with its stunning natural landscapes, growing population, and vibrant real estate market, is an increasingly attractive destination for land investors. From the rugged mountains and expansive deserts to the thriving cities and unique outdoor recreation opportunities, Utah offers diverse land investment opportunities. Whether you're interested in vacation properties, agricultural land, or large-scale developments, Utah has something for every investor.

Regions of Utah 📍

Utah is divided into several regions, each offering distinct land opportunities:

Northern Utah — Expanding cities and stunning mountain views, perfect for residential developments and recreational properties.
Central Utah — Fertile valleys, agricultural land, and rural settings for farming and ranching.
Southern Utah — Known for its desert landscapes, national parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities, ideal for tourism-related land investments.
Eastern Utah — Remote, expansive desert areas, ideal for off-grid living and recreational land.
Western Utah — Close to Nevada, with vast desert landscapes suitable for large developments and recreational retreats.

Top Counties in Utah for Land Investing 📊

Each region of Utah has its standout counties offering excellent investment potential. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Northern Utah

Salt Lake County 🌆: Home to Salt Lake City, one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the U.S., Salt Lake County offers tremendous opportunities for residential, commercial, and mixed-use land developments. The county’s booming economy and diverse infrastructure make it a top choice for land investors.
Utah County 🏙️: Located just south of Salt Lake City, Utah County is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the state. With a young, educated population, it’s perfect for residential developments, as well as commercial and recreational land investments.
Weber County 🏞️: Known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, Weber County is ideal for vacation homes, hunting properties, and recreational retreats. The county’s proximity to the Wasatch Mountains also makes it an attractive destination for mountain-based tourism.

2. Central Utah

Juab County 🌄: Juab County offers affordable rural land and is a great option for agricultural investments or those looking to establish off-grid living projects. The area offers expansive open spaces and great access to outdoor recreation.
Sanpete County 🌱: Known for its farming potential, Sanpete County offers fertile land perfect for agricultural ventures. The county is ideal for investors interested in raising livestock or growing crops like wheat, hay, and alfalfa.
Millard County 🌾: With abundant farmland and large parcels of land, Millard County is perfect for agricultural investments. The county offers affordable land options with plenty of space for farming, ranching, or even recreational developments.

3. Southern Utah

Washington County 🏜️: Washington County is home to St. George, one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. The county offers both urban and rural land opportunities, making it perfect for residential, commercial, and vacation home developments. Its proximity to national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon also makes it an attractive area for eco-tourism.
Iron County 🏞️: Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, Iron County is great for vacation homes, second homes, and recreational properties. The county is also a hub for those interested in off-grid living or agricultural ventures.
Kane County 🌄: With its proximity to Zion National Park, Kane County is a prime destination for tourism-based investments, including vacation homes, rental properties, and eco-tourism ventures. The county’s stunning desert landscapes make it a sought-after area for recreational land investments.

4. Eastern Utah

Grand County 🏜️: Grand County, home to the famous Moab area, is an ideal destination for recreational and tourism-based land investments. The county is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading, making it a hotspot for vacation homes and eco-tourism.
San Juan County 🌅: Located in southeastern Utah, San Juan County offers expansive, remote land ideal for off-grid living and agricultural projects. The county’s low land prices make it an excellent choice for long-term investments in rural land.
Emery County 🌾: Known for its coal mining and agricultural industries, Emery County offers opportunities for agricultural and large-scale land developments. The county is also great for recreational investments, with many national parks and natural attractions nearby.

5. Western Utah

Tooele County 🏜️: Located near Salt Lake City, Tooele County offers large, affordable parcels of land that are perfect for industrial developments, large-scale ranching, or recreational retreats. The county is growing in popularity due to its proximity to the Salt Lake metro area.
Box Elder County 🏞️: With its proximity to the Nevada border and vast expanses of undeveloped land, Box Elder County offers opportunities for large land developments, including agricultural ventures and off-grid living.

Why Invest in Utah Land? 💰

Affordable Land Prices: Utah offers a variety of land types at relatively affordable prices compared to neighboring states like California and Colorado.
Strong Economic Growth: Utah’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., with growing demand for both residential and commercial properties.
Outdoor Recreation: With its beautiful national parks, mountains, and deserts, Utah offers incredible potential for recreational land investments, including vacation homes and eco-tourism.
Diverse Land Types: From urban developments to remote rural land, Utah offers diverse investment opportunities to match various investor needs.

Tips for Buying Land in Utah 📝

Check for Water Rights: Water rights can be a critical issue in many parts of Utah, especially for agricultural properties, so make sure to verify water access before purchasing.
Understand Zoning Laws: Utah’s zoning laws can vary by county, so it's essential to research the zoning regulations of the area you’re considering.
Consider Access to Utilities: Many rural areas in Utah may not have ready access to utilities like water or electricity. If developing the land is your goal, make sure you can access the necessary services.
Work with a Local Realtor: A local realtor can help you navigate the unique aspects of Utah’s land market, from zoning to water rights.

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