For veterans aiming to buy land in Texas as a veteran, affordable options exist in counties like Hudspeth, Brewster, Tyler, Polk, and San Jacinto, offering land under $10,000/acre. While VA loans don’t cover raw land, they can be utilized for construction-to-perm financing after initial land purchase. Texas provides veteran tax benefits and homestead exemptions, making land acquisition more accessible.
Why Texas is Still the Place to Buy Land for Veterans
Texas doesn’t just talk about supporting veterans—it backs it up with state benefits, lower property taxes in the right areas, and public attitudes that still respect military service. That’s not marketing fluff. You will find counties where your veteran benefits stretch way further than most places in the country.
If you’re trying to buy land in Texas as a veteran, remember this: It’s not only about the price per acre. It’s about land that actually gives back—land that holds value over time, land that’s zoned right, with utilities within reach, and halfway decent resale if you ever need to move.
I’ll break down the Texas counties where you’ll find the most affordable land for veterans—places where your VA perks, savings, and hustle actually get rewarded.
Top Texas Counties with the Most Affordable Land for Veterans
Let’s skip the overpriced suburbs. We’re talking land under $10,000/acre and legit places where you can make something happen.
1. Hudspeth County
If you’ve heard of Hudspeth, you’re either a land investor or you’ve already gone deep into rural Texas listings. This place is cheap—like, $300 to $800 per acre cheap.
- Located next to El Paso, but don’t expect city life
- Massive lots—most are 10+ acres
- Great if you’re looking to go off-grid or start something from scratch
- Minimal zoning headaches vs. city properties
Plenty of land flippers operate here, sure. But if you’re smart and willing to talk to the county assessor or check out our latest land finance guide, it can be one of the best spots to buy land in Texas as a veteran.
2. Brewster County
Right near Big Bend National Park. Rural vibes, but ideal for retiring vets who want peace and no HOA madness.
- Average land cost: $500 to $1,500 per acre
- Jaw-dropping views (seriously—it looks fake)
- Low property taxes thanks to low demand
- Super laid-back building codes in most areas
If you’re playing a long game, Brewster land is a solid hold. People are slowly moving out of the big metros and looking for this kinda space.
3. Tyler County
Located in East Texas, a few hours from Houston. Plenty of wooded lots, solid road access, and still crazy affordable.
- About $2,000–$5,000 per acre range
- Lakes, hunting spots, and chill small towns
- You’ve got electricity on many lots already, which is a big win
- Veteran exemptions on property taxes apply—make sure you check county specifics
This is land that doesn’t stay on the MLS for long. If you see wooded acreage with an access road, jump on it fast.
4. Polk County
Right next to Tyler County, same general pricing. The cool part about Polk is it has better proximity to services and grocers—so it’s not as rural as you’d think.
- Lake Livingston is the showstopper here
- Acreage near water is rising in value, fast
- Multiple military families already call this area home
If you want land you can build on, use as a getaway spot, or even rent out seasonally, Polk is pretty strategic. Don’t expect it to be “cheap” five years from now.
5. San Jacinto County
This one gets slept on. It’s got mature timber lots, small-acre plots, and mobile-home ready land. All 1–5 hours from Houston.
- Land here is about $3,000 to $6,000 per acre right now
- Power poles and public roads on many tracts
- Heavily wooded, but most plots can be cleared
Smart vets are using land here as short-term investments, or even as future homesites once their VA loans kick in. Not a bad play for starter land.
The VA Land Loan Myth (And What Actually Works)
Let’s be clear—your VA loan doesn’t cover raw land. Period. But don’t get discouraged. Because there is a way to use your VA benefits strategically if you plan it out smart:
- Step 1: Use cash or financing to snag affordable raw land (like in the counties above)
- Step 2: Once infrastructure or a home is placed, refinance with a VA-backed construction-to-perm loan (yeah, it’s a thing)
- Step 3: Use your homestead and veteran exemptions to carve down property taxes majorly
If you’re trying to go this route, bookmark this mortgage planning checklist. We’ve laid it out in detail.
Your Path to Texas Land as a Veteran
Buying land in Texas as a veteran shouldn’t feel like a battle. Between VA exemptions, rural counties with low tax rates, and some planning, it’s actually way easier than most people think.
Want land? Do this:
- Pick counties like Hudspeth or Brewster if you want dirt-cheap acreage to flip, hold, or go off-grid with
- Try Tyler, Polk, or San Jacinto if you want a balance of affordability, beauty, and access
- Apply every exemption you’ve got—from disability ratings to homestead laws
And if you want to see live land listings and how to analyze them fast, check our real-time updates over at realpha’s blog hub.
FAQs: Buying Land in Texas as a Veteran
Can I use a VA loan to buy land in Texas?
Nope. VA loans can’t be used to buy raw land alone. But if you plan to build and include the construction in your financing, that’s when the VA loan kicks in.
Is land in Texas still affordable for veterans?
Yes—if you know where to look. Plenty of counties still have land under $5,000 per acre, especially in rural Central and East Texas. Be ready to move fast though, it’s heating up.
Are there veteran tax benefits on Texas land?
Texas offers homestead exemptions, 100% disability tax breaks, and some serious savings if you’ve served. Check directly with your target county for the fine print.
How much land should I buy to keep it manageable?
Start with 1–5 acres unless you’re going off-grid or investing. Larger plots are tempting but can rack up costs for clearing, utilities, and taxes.
Can I buy land and add a mobile home as a veteran?
You sure can. A lot of vets go with this route because it’s affordable and easier to set up. Just check county zoning to make sure mobile homes are allowed. Many rural counties are wide open for it.
Where can I see land prices updated in real-time?
Check the full list of reviewed counties and our updates at the realpha land investing blog. If you’re ready to buy land in Texas as a veteran, don’t wait around. Set your budget, lock in your target counties, and get boots on the dirt.