If you’re looking for ways to make an income from raw land, we’ve compiled 122 money-making opportunities for you to explore. From harnessing wind energy to growing specialty crops, with raw land, your options are nearly endless.
Keep reading for a list of creative ways to make money from your property.
1. FOREST TIMBER ON THE LAND
Timber is a valuable commodity. Your raw land’s timber value is determined by the species, size, and quality of the trees growing on it. If you want to find out what your timber is worth, refer to the United States Department of Agriculture.
2. RAISE LIVESTOCK
Raising livestock is a little more labor-intensive, but the financial reward can be lucrative. If you have pastures on your land, consider raising cows or goats for dairy produce.
3. CREATE A CAMPGROUND
According to the annual North American Camping Report, the number of campers who camp at least three times a year has increased by 72%, since 2014. Since camping numbers have been increasing exponentially, a campsite on your raw land can be a profitable enterprise.
4. PLANT CROPS
If you have fertile soil, put it to work by planting crops. Grow traditional crops like corn or wheat, or specialty crops like bamboo or ginseng.
5. RENT LAND AS RV STORAGE
According to an RV Industry Association spokesperson, RV sales across the U.S. skyrocketed by as much as 170% since last year alone. This recent upsurge in sales has driven demand for RV storage — which could be the perfect use for your raw land.
6. INVEST IN SOLAR ENERGY
In 2018, the solar energy industry generated $17 billion in investments for the U.S. economy. If you live in a state blessed with long sunny days, harness those rays and turn that solar energy into a passive income.
7. BUILD HORSE STABLES
Equine enthusiasts pay an average of $400 per month to board their horses. If you have enough space and capital, consider building horse stables and tapping into this lucrative market.
8. GROW FLOWERS TO SELL
Embrace your green finger and grow some flowers. Peonies, snapdragons, and baby’s breath — whatever your favorite flower is, grow some on your land and sell your best cuts at a local farmer’s market.
9. RENT PLOTS TO BUILD A COMMUNITY GARDEN
Create a beautiful space that everyone can enjoy by planting a community garden. Renting out garden plots to the community is an easy way to make a passive income. You and your loved ones can enjoy the garden too.
10. START A PET SITTING BUSINESS
Pets are a part of the family — so make your raw land a second home. With plenty of space to roam, pet owners will know their furry friends are in good hands.
11. OFFER INDOOR AND OUTDOOR STORAGE
The self-storage market is predicted to grow by $27.97 billion over the next five years. Grab a piece of the pie by offering your raw land up for indoor and outdoor storage.
12. OFFER TOURS OR CLASSES ON FARMLIFE
More and more urbanites are embracing the benefits of micro-farming. If you have experience growing crops or raising livestock, pass on your knowledge by hosting farming classes.
13. RENT GREENHOUSES
The hydroponics industry is growing — literally. With faster crop turns, higher density crop yields, and no weeding or herbicides necessary, the greenhouse business is booming. Construct heated greenhouses on your land to create a year-round income opportunity.
14. BREED ANIMALS TO SELL
If you’re an animal lover and passionate about animal welfare, breeding animals to sell could be the ideal way to utilize your raw land. Remember to check local laws and regulations before you begin.
15. UTILIZE YOUR SPACE AS BOAT STORAGE
Is your land located near a popular body of water? If so, there’s likely some locals who need a place to store their boat. Many communities do not allow on-street boat parking, which means there’s often high demand for boat storage facilities.
16. OFFER OUTDOOR FITNESS CLASSES
The U.S. fitness and health club industry has an annual revenue of around $30 billion a year. Use your raw land to offer an innovative outdoor fitness class.
17. BUILD A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT
If your land is located near a highway or another easily accessible area, offer it up to a fast-food franchise, or build your own. Renting out your land to a fast-food restaurant has the potential to be a long-term passive earner.
18. BUILD A SKATE PARK
Skate parks are a popular place for teens and young adults to hang out, making them an excellent business opportunity. To make an income, you could charge for admission or charge a month-to-month membership.
19. OPEN UP YOUR HOME AS A BED AND BREAKFAST
Do you have a spare guest room in your home? Consider using your home as a bed and breakfast. Provide guests with a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle by renting out your home.
20. CREATE A HOSTEL BUSINESS
Plenty of travelers use hostels as an affordable and convenient place to stay. When constructing a hostel, your building should accommodate a minimum of 25 people and have one toilet for every eight people. Before you break ground, be sure to check local zoning regulations.
21. GROW MARIJUANA TO SELL (IF LEGAL)
Do you live in a legalized marijuana state? Consider utilizing your raw land to grow and sell cannabis. Each state has its own cannabis cultivation laws, so be sure to familiarize yourself before you start growing.
22. BUILD WOOD FURNITURE
If you enjoy woodwork, consider using the timber on your land to design and create custom furniture. Many people are willing to pay a premium for furniture that is handmade.
23. RAISE WORMS FOR BAIT
Although it might not sound like a big money-spinner, anglers love to use live fishing bait. You don’t need many supplies to set up a thriving worm farm — simply source some plastic containers, old newspapers, organic scraps, and your choice of worms.
24. RENT LAND FOR FESTIVALS
Festivals like Coachella and Burning Man are the go-to events of the festival circuit. With plenty of local festivals taking inspiration, the need for raw land to host them on is ever-present.
25. BUILD A SEPARATE RENTAL PROPERTY
Long-term rental properties can be lucrative. With rents increasingly yearly, plenty of families and young professionals are looking for affordable long-term rentals.
26. RENT YOUR LAND TO METAL DETECTING CLUBS
Think there may be some buried treasure hidden on your raw land? Your local metal detecting club may be interested in renting your property for a meeting.
27. RENT TO TINY HOUSES
Tiny houses are a trend that’s here to stay since more and more people are embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Offering your land to tiny houses for rental could be a profitable side gig. Just remember to check your local zoning regulations.
28. HARNESS WIND ENERGY
Is your land located in a wind belt? Harness the breeze by erecting wind turbines. Wind turbine leases provide the landowners with a yearly income that can help offset expenses.
29. GROW A VINEYARD AND BOTTLE YOUR OWN WINE
Why not bottle your own wine and sell it to local restaurants and bars to create an income? Whether you prefer a glass of pinot noir after a long day, or a crisp pinot grigio in the summer sun, planting a vineyard can provide you with all of the wine you need to make a profit.
30. SHOOTING RANGE
Setting up a commercial shooting range on your land could be a profitable business. Remember to check your local municipality, county, or state’s gun control laws for clarification on whether this is an option.
31. BUILD A LUXURY SPA RETREAT
In 2018 alone, the U.S. spa industry reported revenues of over $18 billion. In today’s modern world, R&R has never been more needed. Use your land to build a luxury spa retreat and provide a tranquil escape to paying customers.
32. START A FARMER’S MARKET
If you’re a fan of locally grown produce and artisanal goods, use your land to showcase their wares. Farmer’s markets give consumers the chance to purchase products straight from the farm. You can make a passive income by renting out stalls on your land to local vendors.
33. HIKING
Serious hikers are willing to travel from all over the country to enjoy scenic hiking trails. You can also maximize your income by providing camping amenities.
34. SET UP MINI SHOPS NEAR THE ROAD
If you enjoy making jams or pickles, why not set up a mini shop near your access road and sell them? Alternatively, you could sell fruit or honey — or anything else you have in ample supply.
35. ALLOW THE CITY TO BUILD THROUGH-ROADS
The city will sometimes offer to compensate you for allowing them to build roads on your land for the community. This is a hands-off way to make money from your raw land if you’re not using it.
36. OPEN AIR CINEMA
Purchase an outdoor cinema system and invite people onto your land to enjoy an open-air cinema. Charging an entrance fee could earn you a hefty profit — especially during the Super Bowl and other big sporting events.
37. DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE
Where did all the drive-in movie theatres go? With the public becoming more concerned about social distancing, there’s no doubt that drive-in movies will make a resurgence. You can also provide a food stand to make your venture even more profitable.
38. RENT OUT ADVERTISING SPACE
Billboards are big business. If your land can be viewed from a major road, companies might be willing to pay to advertise on it. Allowing billboards to be built on your land is a completely passive income, and requires no extra work.
39. CHARGE ADMISSION TO APPLE ORCHARD
If you have at least ten acres, planting an apple orchard could be the ideal way to use your land. You can sell your apples, make cider with them, or charge people admission to pick their own.
40. ADVERTISE SEASONAL PUMPKIN PATCH
The annual pumpkin patch trip is a time-honored tradition for many families. Offering additional activities such as hayrides could also increase your profits.
41. CREATE A CORN MAZE
Growing a corn maze and charging admission is a creative way to make money off your land, and is a fun activity for all of the family to enjoy. Although people look forward to getting lost in the corn, be sure to place several exits just in case someone wants to get out early.
42. SET UP AN ARCHERY RANGE
Archery has been around for thousands of years and archery ranges have experienced a recent resurgence. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations to ensure your range is in compliance.
43. BUILD A SENIOR CENTER
Raw land in tranquil surroundings is the perfect setting for a senior center. Make the most of your land by creating beautiful gardens and outdoor areas for seniors to enjoy.
44. ESTABLISH A SCENIC OVERLOOK
With the rise of social media, everyone is looking for the perfect picture — and your land could be the perfect place. If your land is particularly picturesque, consider creating an overlook and charging people to admire the view.
45. START AN ATM BUSINESS
An ATM requires minimal land area, but if you live in a rural area, it could be a nice income earner. Be sure to locate it on an easily accessible road for people to use.
46. BUILD A GAS STATION
Although a gas station isn’t a small investment, it could be a big earner. Vacant land on long stretches of the highway is the perfect location for a gas station. Just remember to check your local zoning ordinances before you commit to anything.
47. FARM HEMP FOR CBD OIL
Over the past few years, CBD oil has been touted as a miracle cure-all. From oils for aching muscles to edible drops for stress and anxiety, the CBD business is booming. According to a Markets&Markets report, the industrial hemp market is predicted to be worth up to $26.6 billion by 2025 — making hemp a potentially lucrative crop.
48. SET UP A DOG KENNEL
Dog owners are always looking for a place to house their beloved pets while they’re away from home. Raw land with lots of space is the ideal setting for a successful dog kennel.
49. START A FLEA MARKET
Setting up a flea market is relatively simple; all you need are some stalls and vendors to fill them. By charging a small fee to each vendor who wants to sell their wares, you could make a healthy profit.
50. COMMUNITY PARK
Create family picnic areas and install grills on your land for the community to rent and enjoy.
51. KEEP BEES AND SELL HONEY
As long as you’re not allergic, beekeeping can be a rewarding hobby. You can sell the honey they make at local farmer markets (or your own) to earn extra income.
52. RENT TO BEEKEEPERS
If beekeeping isn’t your thing, but you’re intrigued by the idea, consider renting out your raw land to beekeepers. Beekeepers might be willing to pay you to keep their hives on your land — and gift you some extra honey.
53. START A SUMMER CAMP
Every summer, thousands of kids create fun childhood memories at summer camp. If you have cabins on your land, consider setting up your own or renting them out to an organization that hosts summer camps.
54. CREATE A ZIPLINING PARK
Ziplining is a fun recreational activity that people are willing to pay good money to experience. To maximize your profits, consider hosting special events, like staff bonding days for companies.
55. CREATE MOTOCROSS TRACKS
Adrenaline junkies are always looking for fun motocross tracks. Rent your land out for motocross races, practice, and recreation.
56. WEDDING VENUE
Many brides long for an idyllic farmhouse wedding. Create a healthy income by turning your picturesque vacant land into a dream wedding venue. You can maximize your profits by also building accommodations for future wedding parties.
57. BUILD A PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL
There’s nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Build a public swimming pool on your land and charge admission, or even a yearly membership fee.
58. FARM SNAILS AS AN EXPORT
Escargot is a delicacy, so it makes sense that farming snails can be incredibly profitable.
59. OFFER THE LAND FOR A SHOPPING MALL
Developers are always looking for suitable plots of raw land in desirable locations. Reach out to local developers in your area and try to strike a deal with one by offering your land for construction of a shopping mall.
60. BUILD AN AMUSEMENT PARK
Not a cheap option by any means; however, investors may be willing to help you make your amusement park dream a reality. Alternatively, you could engage local developers and find out if they’re interested in using your land to build an amusement park.
61. BUILD A CONCERT VENUE
If you have plenty of land to spare (and not too many neighbors), consider using it to create a concert venue. You can keep building costs down by using lawn seating.
62. START A CAR WASHING BUSINESS
A sparkling car is one of life’s small pleasures, but many people don’t have the time — or the enthusiasm — to wash their own car. If your land is in a convenient location, a car washing business could receive a lot of traffic.
63. BUILD AN ICE RINK
An ice rink might not be a year-round business venture, but it’s undoubtedly a fun seasonal one! Build an ice rink on your land and charge admission.
64. DOG PARK
Dogs are man’s best friends. If there’s no local dog park in your area, consider developing one on your land and charging admission.
65. BUILD A GOLF COURSE
Raw land in the right location, with the right resources, could make the perfect golf course. Try and round up investors to help cover the cost of development.
66 SELL MINERALS ON THE PROPERTY
If you own the mineral rights to your property, it could be worth finding out if you have anything valuable under the soil.
67. BUILD SOCCER FIELDS
Soccer is a growing sport in the U.S. Use your land to build soccer fields that can be rented out by local teams.
68. CREATE A PAINTBALL COURSE
Paintball is a fun group activity that could be lucrative if your land has the right topography.
69. BUILD FISHING PONDS
Anglers are always looking for well-stocked ponds to fish. Plus, if you enjoy fishing, you can also use your ponds in your free time.
70. CREATE AN OUTDOOR GYM
An innovative spin on outdoor exercise classes, an outdoor gym combines both fitness and nature. Charge people to use the gym or personal trainers to train their clients in it.
71. CREATE A POP-UP MARKET PLACE
Pop-up markets are a fun way for the local community to explore new businesses. All you need to create a thriving pop-up market are stalls to rent and savvy marketing skills to get the word out.
72. BUILD A PARKING LOT
Land located near an event venue can be a big money-maker. Use your raw land to create overflow parking and charge a fee per car.
73. ALLOW A CELL PHONE COMPANY TO BUILD A TOWER ON YOUR LAND
Reach out to service providers and find out if any are willing to compensate you for allowing them to build a tower on your property.
74. TOURING
If your land is located in a tourist area, offering a touring service could be lucrative. From horseback riding to ATV tours, you can make money by charging tourists for a fun day out.
75. HUNTING
Hunting season can be a significant income earner for landowners. This is especially true if you have many acres, and the area is known for mature bucks.
76. GROW SPECIALITY PRODUCE
Specialty produce like herbs are relatively easy to grow and can provide a nice seasonal income.
77. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
If you’re passionate about nature, consider working with a local conservation group to set up a conservation center on your land.
78. LEASE THE LAND FOR GRAZING
Good quality grazing land is always in high demand. Consider leasing to local farmers for their livestock.
79. BUSHCRAFT EDUCATION
Bushcraft can teach vital life skills. Capitalize on your skills and make money by hosting bushcraft excursions.
80. DRILL FOR OIL
Do you have oil on your land? And if so, do you own the mineral rights? If the answer is yes, a drilling company may be interested.
81. DONATE YOUR LAND
Looking to offset your taxes? Consider donating your land to a land trust or government agency.
82. DRILL A WELL
Drilling a well for the local community could be an excellent marketing move. Not only will you create jobs, but you could also gain clients.
83. BUILD A FALLOUT SHELTER
Prepping is a big business. Rent out your land to like-minded people who want to create their own doomsday bunker.
84. BIRD WATCHING
Avid bird watchers appreciate having a peaceful place to watch their feathered friends.
85. BUILD AN EARTH-BERMED HOME
A highly marketable AirBnB idea, earth-bermed homes are designed to be sympathetic to the landscape.
86. SET UP A SPIRITUAL RESORT
Modern life can be stressful. Provide people with a much-needed getaway by setting up a spiritual resort.
87. OPEN A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Christmas trees are a low maintenance crop that can produce income for many years.
88. CREATE A SURVIVAL RESORT
Survivalists are always looking for the next challenge, and your raw land could be the answer. Charge people to stay on your land and live out their survival fantasies.
89. LANDFILL
It’s not a pretty way to make money, but using your property for a dump could be highly profitable.
90. PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Photographers are always looking for inspiration. Reach out to local studios and ask if they’re interested in renting your land for a nature photo shoot.
91. BUILD AN ASSAULT COURSE
Assault courses are popular recreational activities. Charge individuals for admission, or hire your assault course out for parties.
92. LANDSCAPER SUPPLY STORE
Reach out to your local landscaping businesses and ask if they want to hire your land to store their materials and equipment.
93. MICROBREWERY
If you dream of brewing your own beer or your own kombucha, a microbrewery is a great way to make money and indulge your hobby.
94. TRAINING FACILITY
The construction and landscaping industry often require large areas of land to train their employees on. Consider renting your property out to local companies who might have this type of need.
95. TEMPORARY SPORTING EVENTS
Marathons, dirt biking, and many other outdoor activities require open terrain. Rent your land out for temporary sporting events to boost your income.
96. OFFER YOUR LAND FOR RESEARCH
Biologists may be interested in your land for research purposes. You could also lease your land out for astronomy research.
97. CREATE A RESTAURANT GARDEN
Eating al fresco is always enjoyable. Lease your land to a local farm-to-table restaurant for a unique dining experience.
98. OFFER WATER ACCESS
Is there a body of water on your land? If so, you could offer access to watersports and boaters.
99. JUNKYARD
If you don’t mind a messy property, utilizing your land as a junkyard could inspire a business opportunity.
100. DEVELOP A WETLAND PRESERVE
Does your property contain a wetland? If so, you could consider developing it into a wetland preserve.
101. PETTING ZOO
Families are always on the lookout for fun days together. Create income by setting up a petting zoo and charging people admission to enjoy your animals.
102. SET UP A DRAGSTRIP
If you’ve always dreamt of getting into the motorsport business, use your raw land to create a dragstrip for racing participants.
103. WASTE-TO-ENERGY INCINERATOR
Make money and help the environment. An alternative to dumping trash in landfills, waste-to-energy incinerators utilize waste by turning it into energy.
104. OFFER BURIAL SERVICES
Cemeteries provide the community with a place to lay their loved ones to rest. You can develop an income stream by using your raw land to sell burial plots.
105. CREATE BOTANICAL GARDENS
If you have a flair for botany, open up your own botanical gardens and charge admission.
106. BUILD AN EVENT HALL
Allow local businesses to showcase their services by turning your land into an event hall. You can make a profit by charging vendors for admission.
107. PUBLIC ART
Public art installations provide communities with a place to engage and be inspired. Turn your art into profit by offering advertising space to local businesses.
108. HOST FORAGING EVENTS
Foraging has become a mainstream hobby in the past several years. Charge admission to foragers for access to your land, or rent it out for foraging events.
109. BUILD AN OBSERVATORY
If your land isn’t located in an area with too much light pollution, consider building an observatory that stargazers can rent out.
110. SET UP A CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING COURSE
If your land layout permits, set up a cross-country skiing course and charge admission.
111. ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Animal sanctuaries are a fantastic way to protect local wildlife and educate the community. You can help raise money for your efforts by hosting local schools and offering your land out for events like weddings and special occasions.
112. COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Turn your vacant land into a community asset by putting it into a community land trust. A permanent land trust gives all community members a say in decisions about the development of the land.
113. COMMUNITY COMPOST
Building a central compost center is an excellent way to reduce waste and create employment opportunities in the local community.
114. START A TILAPIA FARM
In 2018, the global tilapia market reached 6.4 million tons. Profit from this growing industry by setting up your own tilapia farm.
115. START A CRAFT FAIR
Craft fairs are the perfect way for local artisans to showcase their wares. Rent out space to vendors, or utilize the foot traffic by offering space up to advertisers.
116. CREATE A BIKING TRAIL
Mountain biking is a popular recreational sport. Create a biking trail on your land and rent it out for a fun way to earn an additional income.
117. BUILD A TREEHOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST
Treehouses aren’t just for children; adults would also love to stay in a treehouse bed and breakfast. Utilize websites like Airbnb to advertise your niche accommodation.
118. SET UP A HISTORICAL FARM
Historical farms are a fun way to educate the public. Charge admission to the public or hold classes where they can learn about historic agricultural techniques.
119. BUILD A CABIN
Rustic cabins are in high demand. Build a cozy cabin and rent it out to families looking for a rural retreat.
120. OFFER SPACE FOR A PRIVATE AIR STRIP
If you have plenty of land, considering developing a private airstrip and renting it out. 
121. GROW MEDICINAL AND ARTISAN MUSHROOMS
Foodies all over the country covet gourmet mushrooms. Make a profit by growing and selling your own medicinal and artisan mushrooms.
122. HOST ANTIQUE FAIRS
Antique fairs are a popular way to find exciting items from days gone by. Set up stalls and rent them out to antique dealers who want to sell their wares.
THE BEST WAY TO MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR LAND
Owning a piece of vacant land provides endless opportunities to make money. Ultimately, the way you choose to create an income from your land will depend on where your land is located, its topography, and your budget.
The most simple way to make money from your land, is to hold on to it while it appreciates — and then sell it. When it comes to selling exclusive real estate, exposure is everything. Showcasing your land in it’s best light is crucial to obtaining the optimal sales price. Land.US combines strategic luxury real estate marketing techniques, with spectacular high-impact photography and videography, to provide an unparalleled advertising platform for land listings across the U.S.
If you’re ready to sell your property, contact us today to be connected with a local real estate expert who can help you secure the highest offers from qualified buyers.