Rural cost guides and calculators
Rough per-acre and per-foot estimates for raw land work, using published national ranges. Every result is an estimate, not a quote.
These calculators run in your browser. Nothing is saved or sent. Ranges come from the cost sources cited under each one, checked October 2026.
Land clearing, per acre
Heavily wooded land can run $7,000 or more per acre. Sources: HomeGuide, Angi. Estimate only. National ranges; your land, county, and contractor will change the price.
Gravel driveway, per foot
Uses about $1.75 to $3.00 per square foot, worked out from Angi's $3,500 to $6,000+ for about 2,000 sq ft. Angi doesn't give a per-foot price, so this is our math. Long drives can need culverts and more base. Sources: Angi. Estimate only. National ranges; your land, county, and contractor will change the price.
Water well, per foot
Ask local drillers how deep wells near you go. A well permit is often $350 to $700 more. Sources: HomeGuide. Estimate only. National ranges; your land, county, and contractor will change the price.
Septic system, by type
Your perc test and county decide which type you need.
Sources: HomeGuide. Estimate only. National ranges; your land, county, and contractor will change the price.
Power run, per foot
Your electric co-op or utility may charge its own fees, and may need a new transformer or poles. Sources: HomeGuide. Estimate only. National ranges; your land, county, and contractor will change the price.
Water line trenching, per foot
Uses $30 to $50 per foot. Sources: HomeGuide. Estimate only. National ranges; your land, county, and contractor will change the price.
How-to: Using cost calculators (2 to 3 min)
County permits: who to call
- Septic and perc test: usually the county or district health department. Many require a soil or perc test and a permit before install.
- Water well: often a state agency (natural resources, environment, or health) or the county. Many states license well drillers.
- Driveway entrance: the county road department, or the state highway department if the drive meets a state road.
- Buildings and power: the county building or zoning office, plus your electric co-op or utility for the service.
- Burning brush: check burn bans with your county or state forestry agency before clearing.
See our county guides for a starter set of counties with official links. Rules vary a lot, so always confirm with your county before you buy land or start work.
Perc tests, in plain words
A perc (percolation) test measures how fast water soaks into your soil. It helps decide if a septic system can go in and what kind. It's done by the county or a licensed tester, often with a soil profile pit dug by an excavator.
Free early read: the USDA Web Soil Survey shows mapped soil types and their limits for septic fields. It is not a perc test and won't replace one, but it can flag problem soil before you buy.