Well Drilling Costs by State in 2026: Complete Price Guide

If you're buying raw land, one question dominates everything else: How much will it cost to drill a well?

The answer isn't simple. A well in Florida might cost $3,500. The same well in Texas could run $35,000. Why? Geology, depth, regulations, and regional contractor pricing all play massive roles.

This guide breaks down well drilling costs for all 50 states, explaining why prices vary so dramatically and what you should budget for your property.

💧 National Well Drilling Cost Overview

Before we dive into state-by-state data, here are the national averages:

Average Costs by Depth

Shallow well (25-50 feet): $1,800 - $3,000
Standard well (100-200 feet): $5,000 - $12,000
Deep well (300-500 feet): $15,000 - $30,000
Very deep well (500-1,000 feet): $30,000 - $60,000
Extreme depth (1,000+ feet): $50,000 - $100,000+

What's Included in Well Drilling Costs?

A complete well installation typically includes:

Drilling: $15-$50 per foot
Well casing: $250-$2,500 (PVC or steel pipe)
Well cap: $50-$200
Submersible pump: $500-$2,000
Pump installation: $300-$800
Pressure tank: $300-$900
Electrical work: $500-$1,500
Permits: $100-$500
Water testing: $200-$500

Total turnkey installation: Add $3,000-$6,000 to drilling costs for complete system.

🗺️ Well Drilling Costs by State

Northeast Region

Connecticut

Average depth: 300-500 feet
Typical cost: $18,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Bedrock starts at 50-150 feet; requires rock drilling
Drilling rate: $35-$60/foot for bedrock

Maine

Average depth: 200-400 feet
Typical cost: $12,000 - $28,000
Geological notes: Granite bedrock common; water quality often excellent
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Massachusetts

Average depth: 300-500 feet
Typical cost: $20,000 - $40,000
Geological notes: Difficult bedrock drilling; high labor costs
Drilling rate: $40-$65/foot

New Hampshire

Average depth: 250-450 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $32,000
Geological notes: Varied geology; mountain regions require deeper wells
Drilling rate: $35-$55/foot

New Jersey

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $10,000 - $20,000
Geological notes: Coastal areas have shallower water tables
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

New York

Average depth: 200-400 feet
Typical cost: $12,000 - $28,000
Geological notes: Upstate requires deeper wells than Long Island
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Pennsylvania

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Marcellus Shale region; water quality varies
Drilling rate: $25-$45/foot

Rhode Island

Average depth: 300-500 feet
Typical cost: $18,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Bedrock drilling required; limited driller availability
Drilling rate: $35-$60/foot

Vermont

Average depth: 200-400 feet
Typical cost: $12,000 - $28,000
Geological notes: Rock formations common; seasonal access issues
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Southeast Region

Alabama

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $8,000 - $18,000
Geological notes: Coastal plains have shallower wells; northern regions deeper
Drilling rate: $20-$35/foot

Arkansas

Average depth: 100-250 feet
Typical cost: $6,000 - $15,000
Geological notes: Ozark region requires deeper drilling
Drilling rate: $18-$32/foot

Florida

Average depth: 100-200 feet
Typical cost: $5,000 - $12,000
Geological notes: High water table; limestone aquifer; easiest drilling in U.S.
Drilling rate: $15-$30/foot
Special note: Some areas hit water at 50-75 feet

Georgia

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $8,000 - $18,000
Geological notes: Piedmont region has varied geology
Drilling rate: $20-$35/foot

Kentucky

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $8,000 - $18,000
Geological notes: Limestone karst areas; water quality varies
Drilling rate: $20-$35/foot

Louisiana

Average depth: 100-250 feet
Typical cost: $6,000 - $15,000
Geological notes: Coastal areas very shallow; northern regions deeper
Drilling rate: $18-$32/foot

Mississippi

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $8,000 - $18,000
Geological notes: Delta region has abundant groundwater
Drilling rate: $20-$35/foot

North Carolina

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Mountain regions require much deeper wells
Drilling rate: $22-$38/foot

South Carolina

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $8,000 - $18,000
Geological notes: Coastal plain vs. piedmont creates variation
Drilling rate: $20-$35/foot

Tennessee

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Karst topography in middle/eastern regions
Drilling rate: $22-$38/foot

Virginia

Average depth: 200-400 feet
Typical cost: $12,000 - $25,000
Geological notes: Coastal plain vs. mountain regions vary significantly
Drilling rate: $25-$42/foot

West Virginia

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Mountainous terrain; access can be challenging
Drilling rate: $22-$40/foot

Midwest Region

Illinois

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $20,000
Geological notes: Glacial deposits; generally good water availability
Drilling rate: $22-$38/foot

Indiana

Average depth: 150-300 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $20,000
Geological notes: Limestone bedrock in southern regions
Drilling rate: $22-$38/foot

Iowa

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Thick glacial deposits; abundant aquifers
Drilling rate: $22-$40/foot

Kansas

Average depth: 150-400 feet
Typical cost: $10,000 - $25,000
Geological notes: Western Kansas requires deeper wells; Ogallala Aquifer
Drilling rate: $25-$42/foot

Michigan

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Great Lakes influence; good water quality
Drilling rate: $22-$40/foot

Minnesota

Average depth: 150-400 feet
Typical cost: $10,000 - $25,000
Geological notes: Northern bedrock requires deeper drilling
Drilling rate: $25-$42/foot

Missouri

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Ozark region has karst formations
Drilling rate: $22-$40/foot

Nebraska

Average depth: 150-400 feet
Typical cost: $10,000 - $25,000
Geological notes: Ogallala Aquifer; western areas require deeper wells
Drilling rate: $25-$42/foot

North Dakota

Average depth: 200-500 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Deep aquifers; harsh drilling conditions
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Ohio

Average depth: 150-350 feet
Typical cost: $9,000 - $22,000
Geological notes: Glacial deposits common; variable water quality
Drilling rate: $22-$40/foot

South Dakota

Average depth: 200-500 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Western regions require very deep wells
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Wisconsin

Average depth: 150-400 feet
Typical cost: $10,000 - $25,000
Geological notes: Bedrock drilling common in northern regions
Drilling rate: $25-$45/foot

Southwest Region

Arizona

Average depth: 300-800 feet
Typical cost: $25,000 - $60,000
Geological notes: Desert conditions; deep aquifers; some areas 1,000+ feet
Drilling rate: $35-$65/foot
Special note: Water rights and permits are complex

Nevada

Average depth: 300-800 feet
Typical cost: $25,000 - $60,000
Geological notes: Desert basin and range; very deep drilling common
Drilling rate: $35-$65/foot

New Mexico

Average depth: 300-700 feet
Typical cost: $22,000 - $50,000
Geological notes: High desert plateau; deep aquifers
Drilling rate: $32-$60/foot

Oklahoma

Average depth: 150-400 feet
Typical cost: $10,000 - $25,000
Geological notes: Western regions require deeper wells
Drilling rate: $25-$45/foot

Texas

Average depth: 200-600 feet (highly variable by region)
Typical cost: $12,000 - $45,000
Geological notes:
- Hill Country: 300-800 feet through limestone (most expensive)
- East Texas: 100-300 feet (easier drilling)
- Panhandle: 200-500 feet (Ogallala Aquifer)
- West Texas: 400-800+ feet (deep desert wells)
Drilling rate: $25-$60/foot depending on region

West Region

Alaska

Average depth: 100-300 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $40,000
Geological notes: Permafrost issues; extreme weather; high mobilization costs
Drilling rate: $40-$75/foot (logistics add significant cost)

California

Average depth: 200-600 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $50,000
Geological notes:
- Central Valley: 200-400 feet
- Coastal areas: 150-300 feet
- Mountain regions: 300-600+ feet
Drilling rate: $30-$60/foot
Special note: Strict permitting and water rights regulations

Colorado

Average depth: 250-600 feet
Typical cost: $18,000 - $45,000
Geological notes: Mountain drilling challenging; Front Range easier
Drilling rate: $32-$60/foot

Hawaii

Average depth: 200-500 feet
Typical cost: $20,000 - $50,000+
Geological notes: Volcanic rock; island logistics; limited drillers
Drilling rate: $40-$75/foot

Idaho

Average depth: 200-500 feet
Typical cost: $12,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Snake River Plain vs. mountains creates variation
Drilling rate: $28-$50/foot

Montana

Average depth: 200-600 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $45,000
Geological notes: Mountain regions require deeper drilling
Drilling rate: $30-$55/foot

Oregon

Average depth: 200-500 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Willamette Valley easier; eastern Oregon deeper
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Utah

Average depth: 250-600 feet
Typical cost: $18,000 - $45,000
Geological notes: Basin and range geology; desert conditions
Drilling rate: $32-$60/foot

Washington

Average depth: 200-500 feet
Typical cost: $15,000 - $35,000
Geological notes: Western areas easier; eastern desert regions deeper
Drilling rate: $30-$50/foot

Wyoming

Average depth: 250-600 feet
Typical cost: $18,000 - $45,000
Geological notes: High plains; deep aquifers in many areas
Drilling rate: $32-$60/foot

💰 What Affects Well Drilling Costs?

1. Geology & Rock Type

Soft soil/sand: $15-$25/foot

Fastest drilling
Florida, Louisiana coastal plains
Minimal equipment wear

Clay/hard soil: $20-$35/foot

Moderate difficulty
Most of Midwest and South
Standard drilling rigs

Limestone/soft rock: $30-$50/foot

Requires rock drilling equipment
Texas Hill Country, Kentucky
Slower progress

Granite/hard rock: $40-$65/foot

Most difficult and expensive
New England, parts of West
Specialized equipment and bits

Volcanic rock: $45-$75/foot

Extremely hard drilling
Hawaii, parts of Pacific Northwest
High bit replacement costs

2. Water Table Depth

Why it matters: The deeper you drill, the more you pay - both for drilling and for pumping equipment.

Shallow water (50-150 feet):

Lower pumping costs
Smaller pump needed
Easier maintenance

Deep water (300+ feet):

Expensive submersible pumps ($1,500-$3,000)
Higher electrical costs for pumping
More complex installation

3. Accessibility

Easy access (flat, near road): Standard rates

Difficult access adds:

Steep terrain: +20-40% (equipment positioning challenges)
Remote location: +$2,000-$5,000 (mobilization fees)
Limited space: +$1,000-$3,000 (smaller rigs, slower work)

4. Permits & Regulations

Basic permit: $100-$300 Complex water rights states: $500-$2,000+

States with strictest well regulations:

California (water rights, environmental review)
Arizona (groundwater management areas)
Nevada (water rights priority system)
Colorado (prior appropriation doctrine)

5. Local Contractor Availability

High competition areas: Lower prices

Suburbs with many land developments
Agricultural regions

Limited driller areas: Higher prices

Remote mountain regions
Islands (Hawaii, Alaska islands)
Areas with few well drilling companies

🚩 Red Flags: When Well Costs Explode

Failed or "Dry" Wells

Risk: 5-10% of wells produce insufficient water

Consequences:

Lost drilling investment ($5,000-$30,000)
Must drill second well
Total cost can double

Mitigation:

Hydrogeological survey before drilling ($500-$2,000)
Ask about neighbors' well depths and yields
Consider water guarantee from driller (rare, expensive)

Contamination Issues

Common problems:

High iron or sulfur: $1,500-$5,000 for treatment
Hard water: $800-$2,500 for softener
Bacteria: $300-$1,000 for chlorination system
Arsenic or heavy metals: $3,000-$8,000 for filtration

Solution: Always test water before finishing well ($200-$500)

Unexpected Rock Formations

Scenario: Driller estimates 200 feet through soil, hits bedrock at 100 feet

Impact: Drilling rate jumps from $25/foot to $50/foot for remaining depth

Result: $6,000 estimate becomes $11,000

Protection: Contract should specify rate changes for rock

✅ How to Budget for Well Drilling

Conservative Budgeting Formula

Research your county's average well depth (ask neighbors, county records)
Add 25% buffer for unexpected depth
Multiply by high-end drilling rate for your geology
Add $4,000 for complete pump system
Add $1,500 for permits, testing, contingencies

Example: Texas Hill Country Property

Average depth in area: 400 feet
With buffer: 500 feet
High-end rate: $60/foot × 500 = $30,000
Pump system: +$4,000
Permits/testing: +$1,500
Conservative budget: $35,500

Actual cost might be: $25,000 if you hit water at 350 feet

But you're prepared if: Rock formation extends to 500 feet

🎯 Get Accurate Well Cost Estimates for Your Property

State averages help, but you need property-specific estimates.

Our Land Development Cost Analyzer provides:

✅ County-level well depth data for your exact location
✅ Geological formation analysis predicting drilling difficulty
✅ Complete turnkey cost estimates including pump and installation
✅ Water quality expectations for your area
✅ Drilling contractor contact information (in supported states)

Get Your Land Analysis →

Know your well costs before you buy. Make informed land decisions.

🔗 Related Land Development Guides

Comprehensive Overview:

Complete Guide to Land Development Costs in 2026

Other Utilities:

Site Preparation:

Final Thoughts: Don't Gamble on Water

Well drilling is often your largest single land development expense. A $10,000 estimate can become $40,000 if you hit unexpected rock or need to drill deeper than anticipated.

Before you buy land:

Research average well depths in your specific county
Talk to neighbors about their well costs and depths
Consider a hydrogeological survey for expensive properties
Get multiple driller quotes with clear terms about rock charges
Budget conservatively - assume the high end of estimates

Or get instant estimates with our Land Analysis tool, which provides county-specific well depth data and cost projections based on actual geological surveys.

Analyze Your Land Now →

Water is life. Know what it will cost.

Last updated: November 2025. Well drilling costs vary by location, geology, and market conditions. Always obtain quotes from licensed well drillers in your area.

Well Drilling Costs by State in 2026: Complete Price Guide & Depth Data