Why Acreage Values Sometimes Differ
Land Insights provides two types of acreage values, and it’s normal for them to differ occasionally. This happens because different sources calculate acreage in various ways.
Here’s how each value works:
1. Deed Acreage (County-Recorded Acreage)
This is the acreage value recorded on the property’s official deed.
It comes directly from the county’s public records.
It may be rounded, outdated, or based on older surveying methods.
Because it’s tied to the deed, it doesn’t always reflect precise parcel geometry.
This is why deed acreage can sometimes differ from what’s drawn on a modern map.
2. Calculated Acreage (Land Insights Estimate)
This is the acreage value calculated by Land Insights using the parcel’s mapped boundaries.
It uses GIS-based geometry for a more accurate measurement.
It often provides a closer reflection of the true size, especially when county deed values are old or approximate.
Many users rely on calculated acreage for analysis and underwriting because it reflects the parcel’s actual mapped shape.
Why Discrepancies Happen
Acreage values can differ for several reasons, including:
Old or imprecise deed descriptions
County rounding the acreage to whole numbers
Survey updates or boundary adjustments
Parcels created or subdivided without updated deed acreage
Parcel geometry changes are not yet reflected in public records
These differences are common across the U.S. and affect all land data platforms.
How to Verify the Most Accurate Acreage
If you see a large difference between the deed acreage and calculated acreage, the most reliable way to confirm the true acreage is to check the county’s GIS (Geographic Information System).
Most counties have a GIS website where you can:
View official parcel boundaries
Check the county-calculated acreage
Confirm measurements used for taxation and public records
⚠️ Note: Some small or rural counties may not have GIS data available online. In those cases, the deeded acreage will be the only official value you can access.
Summary
Deed Acreage = official county record, but not always precise
Calculated Acreage = GIS-based estimate from Land Insights, often more accurate
County GIS = best source for verification when precision matters
If you ever have questions about acreage values or need help verifying a property, feel free to reach out to our support team at [email protected] 🤠