New York → Columbia
Columbia County, New York
Pasture here rented for $18 an acre in 2026, $4.25 below the New York median of $22.25. That's the 31st percentile among the 16 New York counties reporting that year, and the 33rd percentile nationally.
Put that in lease terms. On a quarter section of 160 acres, the gap between this county and the state median is $680 a year. A difference that looks small per acre is large at that scale.
Across New York's counties, the middle half of county averages in 2026 runs $17.75 to $35.25 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 2009, this county's rate has fallen 10 percent: $20 then, $18 in 2026.
The counties next door
The comparison made at the kitchen table is with the neighbors. Every bordering county NASS tracks is listed at its most recent published rate.
| County | $/acre |
|---|---|
| Rensselaer | $61.50 (2025) |
| Dutchess | $20 (2020) |
| Berkshire, Massachusetts | $18 (2020) |
| Ulster | $14.50 (2014) |
| Albany | $12 (2023) |
| Greene | $4.50 (2010) |
Every year on record
| Year | $/acre |
|---|---|
| 2009 | $20 |
| 2010 | $17.50 |
| 2011 | $26.50 |
| 2012 | $16.50 |
| 2014 | $27 |
| 2016 | $31 |
| 2017 | $36.50 |
| 2019 | $31.50 |
| 2021 | $18 |
| 2022 | $33 |
| 2023 | $21.50 |
| 2024 | $20.50 |
| 2025 | $18.50 |
| 2026 | $18 |
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