Electric Fence Installation Cost Guide
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
1. Cost
| Size/Type | Average Cost |
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Per Linear Foot | $2–$6 |
| Per Acre | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Aboveground Fence | $1,900–$3,000 |
| Underground Fence | $1,100–$2,500 |
2. Electric Fence Types
| Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Best For | Notes |
|------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Aboveground | $2–$6 | Livestock like cattle and horses | Visible barrier; can deter large animals. |
| Underground (Invisible) | $1–$4 | Dogs and small pets | Aesthetic; requires training for pets. |
3. Cost Factors
- Fence Size and Layout: Larger, irregular, or hilly properties increase material and labor costs.
- Labor Costs: 50–70% of the total cost; averages $0.12–$0.20 per linear foot.
- Electrical Work: Running electricity to remote fence areas can add costs for wiring or splicing.
- Power Outage Protection: Add-ons like solar chargers ($100–$500) or generators ($500–$2,000) ensure reliability.
- Landscaping Needs: Clearing or leveling land, removing old fences, or working around obstructions increases costs.
4. Installation Costs by Fence Size
| Size (Linear Feet) | Installed Cost |
|------------------------|------------------------------|
| 200 ft | $400–$1,200 |
| 500 ft | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1,000 ft | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Acreage | Installed Cost |
|------------------------|------------------------------|
| 1 acre | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 3 acres | $3,000–$15,000 |
5. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
| Aspect | DIY | Hiring a Pro |
|-------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Cost | Lower (tools + materials) | Higher (labor + materials) |
| Skill Needed | Moderate to high | Minimal effort for the homeowner. |
| Safety | Higher risk if unfamiliar. | Ensures compliance with safety standards. |
6. Ways to Save on Electric Fence Installation
- Go Wireless: Wireless fences are cheaper and reduce labor costs.
- Reduce Coverage: Install fencing in key areas instead of the entire perimeter.
- Fewer Strands: For livestock, using three wire strands can reduce material costs.
7. Additional Considerations
- Electricity Usage: Typically costs less than $5/month to operate.
- Training Needs: Pets and livestock require training to respect boundaries.
- Regulations: Check local laws; some regions restrict electric fences.
An electric fence is a cost-effective solution for securing pets and livestock. Choose the type and size that fits your needs while balancing functionality and budget!
