The signal this week: Brunswick County, NC grew 4.7% in one year — one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. by percent — while its housing market is still appreciating but slowing. That combo is gold for patient land investors.
The Signal
Brunswick County is growing fast, and the real estate market is still moving — just slower. The US Census Bureau pegs Brunswick County, NC at +4.7% population growth (July 2024 to July 2025).
That’s the kind of stat that eventually shows up in the land market as more demand for new builds, small rentals, storage, and “I want some space” relocations.
And here’s the twist: the housing market is appreciating while buyer urgency cools. In March 2026, Brunswick County’s median sale price was $390,000 (+8.0% YoY), but homes took an average of 120 days on market (up from 84 days last year). (Redfin)
Translation: prices aren’t collapsing, but buyers are taking their time. That’s where patient land investors can win.
By the Numbers
Brunswick is the headline, but the bigger story is that rural land values are still sticky nationwide.
- Farm real estate averaged $4,350/acre in 2025, up 4.3% year-over-year. (Farm Credit Administration)
- Cropland averaged $5,830/acre (+4.7% YoY) and pastureland averaged $1,920/acre (+4.9% YoY). (Farm Credit Administration)
- Meanwhile, not every local market is “up and to the right.” Hillsborough County, NH had a $495,000 median sale price (-2.2% YoY) and 37 days on market (up from 28) in March 2026. (Redfin)
Two takeaways: (1) the national floor is higher than people think, and (2) micro-markets can cool even while the big picture stays firm.
Is this a good time to buy land, or wait?
Yes, it can be a good time — if you’re willing to be picky. The data says prices are holding, but time-on-market is stretching in places like Brunswick. That combo tends to reward buyers who make clean offers, ask for better terms, and don’t chase every listing like it’s 2021.
County Spotlight: Brunswick County, NC
Brunswick County sits in the Wilmington metro orbit, with beach towns, retirees, and “I work remote now” energy.
The fastest thing here isn’t the surf — it’s the population line. Brunswick grew +4.7% (July 2024 to July 2025), landing it in the Census Bureau’s top-10 list by percent growth.
And the housing market is still printing higher prices. March 2026 median sale price: $390,000 (+8.0% YoY). But the pace is slower: average days on market climbed to 120 days (from 84).
What does slower housing demand mean for Brunswick County land investing?
It usually means you can negotiate without being in a bidding war every time. If houses are sitting longer, builders and small developers get more cautious. That shows up as fewer “quick close” offers on lots, more requests for due diligence time, and more sellers willing to talk price.
Here’s the expert framing I keep coming back to: “Rural land values generally remained stable to slightly increasing across the United States on a nominal basis though flat on a real basis.” — Farm Credit Administration, Rural Land Values Update, page 6. (Farm Credit Administration)
In normal-person terms: don’t expect a massive discount just because headlines feel weird. Expect a market that rewards homework.
Practical angle for beginners:
- Look for parcels with clear road access and power nearby.
- Treat perc tests and flood maps like your first-date questions.
- If you’re new, underwrite for “longer than you want” hold times.
And if you want to comp a parcel quickly (and avoid the “I have 37 tabs open” lifestyle), run it through DealCheck.
What We’re Watching
This week, I’m watching three things that tend to move land markets before land comps catch up.
- Population growth winners. Brunswick (+4.7%) is in that top-10 percent growth group, right alongside Jasper County, SC (+6.0%) and Waller County, TX (+5.7%). (US Census Bureau)
- Time-on-market trends. Brunswick’s 120 DOM tells you buyers have leverage — even with prices higher.
- The “flat in real terms” problem. If land is stable nominally but inflation is still a thing, the real return math gets tighter.
If you’re buying, that just means you need a stronger reason to believe the parcel will be useful later.
One More Thing
If you only do one thing this weekend, do this: pick one county and build a simple “deal rules” checklist.
For Brunswick County, mine would be: flood zone check, road access, septic feasibility, and a realistic exit (hold, build, subdivide, or sell).
More context on recent county breakdowns: Iowa farmland at $17,400/acre, Coconino County, AZ, Park County, MT, and the LAI subscribe page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunswick County, NC a good place to buy land in 2026?
Yes if you want a growth county with demand spillover from nearby housing, and you’re comfortable with slower buyer timelines. Brunswick grew +4.7% (July 2024-July 2025). (US Census Bureau)
What are home prices doing in Brunswick County right now?
March 2026 median sale price was $390,000, up 8.0% year-over-year. (Redfin)
Are buyers slowing down in Brunswick County?
Yes. Redfin shows 120 average days on market in March 2026, up from 84 days last year.
What’s one big risk for coastal North Carolina land?
Flood and drainage. Always check FEMA flood maps and local rules before you assume a parcel is buildable.
How do I comp rural land fast if I’m a beginner?
Use a comp tool, then verify with local listings and county records. DealCheck is a solid starting point.
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Some links in this newsletter are from affiliate partners or sponsors, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. The Land Arbitrage Index is not a financial advisory service. All content is for informational and educational purposes only. Always conduct your own due diligence before making investment decisions. Land investing carries risk — you are not guaranteed to make money and may lose money. We provide data and analysis to help you make more informed decisions, but the final call is always yours.
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