American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What type of land accounts for approximately two-thirds of privately held lands in the United States?

1. Agricultural

2. Residential

3. Commercial

4. Industrial

The correct answer is: Agricultural

Agricultural land plays a crucial role in land use in the United States, comprising around two-thirds of all privately held lands. This extensive amount is attributed to the vast expanses of farmland utilized for crop production, livestock raising, and sustainable agricultural practices. The importance of agriculture not only signifies its dominance in land use but also highlights its central role in the economy, food supply, and ecosystem management. The majority of the rural landscape is devoted to farming and ranching, aimed at meeting both domestic and global food demands. As urbanization continues to expand, the preservation of agricultural land has become a critical topic in planning discussions, reflecting its importance for food security, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. In contrast, residential, commercial, and industrial lands account for a smaller percentage of the total private land in the U.S. Residential areas, while increasingly significant due to population growth, do not yet infiltrate the extent of agricultural land. Commercial and industrial land uses, while vital for economic activities and employment, contribute even less to the overall land distribution when compared to agricultural use. Thus, the dominance of agricultural lands underscores its foundational role in the American landscape.