The U.S. Government owns the largest portion of real estate in the United States, managing an estimated 650 million acres of land. This vast expanse makes the federal government the single largest landowner in the country.
Major Landowners in the U.S.
The majority of land owned by the U.S. Government is comprised of public lands, including national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal holdings administered by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service. These lands serve diverse purposes, from conservation and recreation to resource management.
While the federal government is the primary landowner, other entities and private individuals also hold significant acreage across the nation.
Here's a breakdown of some of the largest landowners in the United States:
| Largest Landowner Name | Approximate Acreage Owned |
|---|---|
| The U.S. Government | 650 million acres |
| Native American Tribes | 56 million acres |
| The Emmerson Family | 2,411,000 acres |
| John Malone | 2,200,000 acres |
Beyond the federal government, Native American Tribes collectively own a substantial amount of land, much of which is held in trust by the federal government. Additionally, several private entities and individuals hold vast real estate portfolios, often consisting of timberlands, agricultural properties, and ranches. For instance, the Emmerson Family, primarily involved in timber, and John Malone, a media executive with extensive ranch holdings, are prominent examples of private individuals with millions of acres under their ownership.
