California land market for data centers
California land prices are high, but Inland Empire and Central Valley parcels near substations still attract developers willing to pay premium for the connectivity and mild climate.
$8,500
Avg. price per acre (agricultural)
3
Top counties for data center interest
10-100x
Premium for data center land vs. farm value
Top California counties for data center land
Based on power infrastructure, fiber connectivity, and development activity, these are the most sought-after counties in California for data center land buyers:
Do not see your county? That does not mean your land is not valuable. Many data center projects are built in areas that were not previously on anyone's radar. Check your specific property for free.
What makes California land valuable to data centers
Data center companies evaluate California land based on six key factors: power proximity, acreage, disaster risk, water access, zoning, and fiber connectivity. Not every property needs perfect scores in all categories, but the combination determines your land's value to a data center buyer.
California landowners who want to sell their property often do not realize how much their land could be worth. Agricultural land that might sell for $8,500 per acre on the open market could be worth 10 to 100 times that amount to a data center developer if it has the right characteristics.
The fastest way to find out is to use our free property analysis tool. Enter your California address and acreage, and we will score your land against what data center companies actually look for. No cost, no obligation, and results come back in under 2 minutes.
Selling land in California: FAQ
How much is land worth in California?
Land values in California vary widely based on location, power access, and acreage. The average price for rural land in California is around $8,500 per acre for general agricultural use. But land that meets data center requirements can sell for 10 to 100 times that amount. Use our free tool to find out what your specific property is worth.
Are data center companies buying land in California?
Yes. California land prices are high, but Inland Empire and Central Valley parcels near substations still attract developers willing to pay premium for the connectivity and mild climate. Data center investment across the US topped $3.3 billion in rural land purchases in 2024, and California is part of that market.
What kind of land in California do data centers want?
Data centers look for 20+ acres of flat land near electrical substations in California. Low flood risk, water access, and agricultural or industrial zoning are all factors that increase your land value. The top counties for data center interest in California include San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern.
How do I sell my land in California?
Start by getting a free DataAcre property report. Enter your California property details and we will score it against what data center companies look for. If your land qualifies, we connect you directly with verified buyers. The whole process starts with a 2-minute form.
Can I sell farmland in California to a data center?
Yes. Farmland is one of the most common land types data centers buy because it is flat, available in large parcels, and typically affordable. Many counties in California welcome data center development because of the tax revenue and jobs it brings.