Top 25 Private Landowners in the US

Who Owns the Most Land in America?

Each year, The Land Report ranks the 100 largest private landowners in the United States. This infographic highlights the top 25.

The biggest change from last year's rankings was Stan Kroenke's rise to the number one position following his acquisition of nearly one million additional acres through the purchase of the Singleton Ranches. The transaction was not widely reported until it was later revealed by The Land Report.

Land use varies considerably among America's largest landowners, although cattle ranching, timber production, and conservation are the dominant uses across the top five.

With an estimated 2.7 million acres, Kroenke's holdings are equivalent to roughly 4,219 square miles—an area about 65 miles by 65 miles. Kroenke is also the owner of several sports teams: the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, and Arsenal FC.

In second place is the Emmerson family, led by Red Emmerson, with approximately 2.4 million acres across California, Oregon, and Washington through their timber-products company, Sierra Pacific Industries.

Third-ranked landowner John Malone has increasingly emphasized conservation, scientific research, and sustainable agriculture. Through partnerships involving his Family Land Preservation Foundation and The Land Institute, portions of his land are used to advance regenerative farming practices and soil stewardship.

CNN founder Ted Turner ranks fourth with approximately 2 million acres spread across the Southeast, Great Plains, and Western United States. His landholdings are particularly known for bison conservation and ranching.

Combined, the top 25 private landowners control approximately 24.5 million acres—an area roughly equivalent to the state of Indiana.