California → Madera
Madera County, California
Pasture here rented for $12 an acre in 2026, $5.50 below the California median of $17.50. That's the 17th percentile among the 38 California counties reporting that year, and the 17th percentile nationally.
Put that in lease terms. On a quarter section of 160 acres, the gap between this county and the state median is $880 a year. A difference that looks small per acre is large at that scale.
Across California's counties, the middle half of county averages in 2026 runs $14 to $23.50 an acre. Individual leases spread wider than county averages do, because grass, water, fencing and term length all move the price. An offer far outside this band should come with a reason the other side can say out loud.
Since 2012, this county's rate has fallen 8 percent: $13 then, $12 in 2026.
The counties next door
The comparison made at the kitchen table is with the neighbors. This year, rates across the county line go from $11.50 to $24 an acre. Every bordering county NASS tracks is listed at its most recent published rate.
Every year on record
| Year | $/acre |
|---|---|
| 2012 | $13 |
| 2014 | $13.50 |
| 2016 | $13 |
| 2017 | $11.50 |
| 2019 | $10.50 |
| 2020 | $12.50 |
| 2021 | $11.50 |
| 2022 | $12.50 |
| 2023 | $9 |
| 2024 | $10.50 |
| 2025 | $9.30 |
| 2026 | $12 |
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