What Size Ranch Do You Need? 20 Acres vs. 200 Acres

When buying a ranch in Washington State, one of the first questions to ask is: how much land do you really need? Whether you’re planning for rural retirement, a hobby farm, or full-scale livestock operation, land size impacts your budget, maintenance needs, and long-term goals. From cost and land use to resale value and zoning, comparing a 20-acre property to a 200-acre ranch can help you decide what fits best. In this guide, we break down the trade-offs, real numbers, and regional examples across Washington State counties like Lewis, Yakima, and Clark.

The Real Cost of Owning 20 vs. 200 Acres

Cost is often the biggest deciding factor between a smaller or larger ranch. While 20 acres may be sufficient for a homestead or small livestock operation, 200 acres opens the door to larger-scale ranching, farming, or recreational use — but at a higher price and maintenance load.

Average Land Costs by Acreage:

Remember, cost isn’t just about purchase price — it includes fencing, taxes, roads, well/septic systems, and upkeep.

You can explore current averages and farmland values via the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service – Washington State.

What Can You Do with 20 Acres?

Twenty acres offers flexibility for those wanting rural space without full-time ranching responsibilities. It’s often the sweet spot for:

In places like Chehalis (Lewis County) or Goldendale (Klickitat County), you’ll find 20-acre parcels with existing well and septic systems, ideal for retirees or first-time rural buyers.

Pros:

Cons:

For information on rural zoning and land use, visit the Washington State Department of Ecology.

What Does 200 Acres Offer That 20 Can’t?

A 200-acre ranch gives you options — from cattle grazing and timberland to subdividing or leasing portions. In more remote counties like Okanogan, Stevens, or Adams, larger parcels are still relatively affordable compared to urban-fringe land in western Washington.

Uses for 200 Acres:

This scale also opens the door to agricultural tax exemptions, timber harvesting income, or leasing land to other farmers.

Considerations:

Learn more about Washington’s agricultural land policies at the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

County Spotlight: Where Acreage Matters Most

Lewis County

Great balance of price and flexibility. Many 20- to 80-acre parcels available with minimal restrictions. Roads, power, and water are accessible in many parts of the county.

Yakima County

Best for farming operations. 200 acres with irrigation and class 1–2 soil can generate revenue from crops, grazing, or orchard leases. Close access to processing centers and markets.

Clark County

Limited 200-acre parcels due to development pressure. 20-acre lots near Battle Ground or Yacolt are more common and suitable for hobby farms or lifestyle ranches with modern amenities.

You can find more about each county’s land use and regulations on their official county websites:

How to Decide: 20 Acres vs. 200 Acres

Ask yourself the following before deciding:

For many buyers, 20 acres is enough for privacy and self-reliance. For others, 200 acres offers potential for growth, income, or a working ranch lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Choose Acreage That Matches Your Goals

The right ranch size depends on your vision. A 20-acre property is manageable, flexible, and ideal for new rural buyers or retirees. A 200-acre spread, on the other hand, offers serious scale — perfect for larger operations or legacy land ownership. In either case, understanding the cost of land in Washington and your long-term goals is key.

Next Step: Compare listings by acreage in Lewis, Yakima, and Clark counties — or connect with a land specialist who can help match your vision with the right property.

Would you like a “Land Size Comparison Chart” or buyer worksheet to go along with this post?