Letter From the Broker
Texas Land Market Update — September 2026:
The Economy Behind the Land
By Charles Armstrong, Broker & Founder | September 2026
While we have seen some cooler morning temperatures with the calendar having turned to September, the mid day heat is still in full effect. With every passing day I’m longing for the consistent coolness that fall brings.
Last month we took a pause in our market talks and instead put out a piece regarding the effects of the July flood events that South Texas and the Hill Country experienced. This month we will pick up where we left off in July and speak to the broader economic engine driving the Texas land market — and why real estate keeps holding its place near the top of it.
The Short Version
- Real estate remains one of the top contributors to Texas GDP — and that strength isn’t showing signs of letting up.
- Texas is on pace to outperform its own 2025, with job growth picking back up after a flat year.
- Buyers: the fundamentals underneath rural land are still solid — this isn’t a market driven by speculation.
- Sellers: a strong state economy keeps demand for land steady, even when the market feels a touch soft month to month.
In This Letter
Why the Broader Economy Matters to Land
I get asked from time to time why a ranch broker cares about GDP reports and job numbers. Simple answer: land doesn’t sell in a vacuum. When the Texas economy is healthy, more people have the means and the confidence to buy land — whether that’s a working ranch, a weekend place, or ground they’re holding for the next generation. So it’s worth keeping an eye on.
“Land doesn’t sell in a vacuum.”
Real Estate’s Role in Texas Growth
Real estate continues to be one of the top contributors to the Texas economy, and that’s not slowing down. It’s not the single largest slice of the pie — but it consistently sits near the top, alongside sectors like professional and business services, and it’s a real driver of the growth Texas keeps posting.
2026 Shaping Up Stronger Than 2025
Texas continues to outperform the national economy overall, and the read from here is that 2026 is on pace to be stronger than 2025. Last year was an odd one — the state’s economy grew, but job growth basically stalled out, which isn’t something we usually see in Texas. This year that’s turning back around, with hiring picking back up. It’s not a runaway boom, but it’s a clear step in the right direction.
What It Means for You
For buyers, this is more confirmation that Texas land isn’t riding on hype — it’s backed by a state economy that’s still doing its job. For sellers, it means the demand underneath this market has real staying power, even in months that feel a little quieter than others.
We’ll keep tracking these numbers as they come in. See ya next month!
Thinking about your next move on Texas land?
Whether you’re ready to buy the right ranch or bring a well-priced property to market, our team knows this country and these buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the broader Texas economy matter to land buyers and sellers?
Land doesn’t sell in a vacuum. When the Texas economy is healthy, more people have the means and the confidence to buy land, whether that’s a working ranch, a weekend place, or ground they’re holding for the next generation.
How big a role does real estate play in the Texas economy?
Real estate continues to be one of the top contributors to the Texas economy. It isn’t the single largest slice of the pie, but it consistently sits near the top, alongside sectors like professional and business services, and it’s a real driver of the growth Texas keeps posting.
Is 2026 shaping up better than 2025 for the Texas economy?
Texas continues to outperform the national economy overall, and 2026 is on pace to be stronger than 2025. 2025 was an odd year — the state’s economy grew, but job growth stalled out. That’s turning back around this year, with hiring picking back up.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers of Texas land right now?
For buyers, it’s more confirmation that Texas land isn’t riding on hype, it’s backed by a state economy that’s still doing its job. For sellers, it means the demand underneath this market has real staying power, even in months that feel a little quieter than others.
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