California → San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County, California
Pasture here rented for $20 an acre in 2026, $2.50 above the California median of $17.50. That's the 62nd percentile among the 38 California counties reporting that year, and the 39th percentile nationally.
Put that in lease terms. On a quarter section of 160 acres, the gap between this county and the state median is $400 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 2008, this county's rate has risen 14 percent: $17.50 then, $20 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 $9.90 to $17.50 an acre. Every bordering county NASS tracks is listed at its most recent published rate.
| County | $/acre |
|---|---|
| Monterey | $17.50 |
| Kings | $16 (2017) |
| Santa Barbara | $9.90 |
| Kern | $5.60 (2024) |
Every year on record
| Year | $/acre |
|---|---|
| 2008 | $17.50 |
| 2009 | $10 |
| 2010 | $6.70 |
| 2011 | $6.60 |
| 2012 | $6.70 |
| 2013 | $6.70 |
| 2014 | $8 |
| 2016 | $26.50 |
| 2017 | $10.50 |
| 2019 | $10.50 |
| 2020 | $8.50 |
| 2021 | $10 |
| 2022 | $8.20 |
| 2023 | $9.60 |
| 2024 | $8.10 |
| 2025 | $13.50 |
| 2026 | $20 |
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