How Much Does an Electric Fence Cost?

Electric Fence Cost per Acre 

The acreage of a yard determines its perimeter and thus, the linear length and width of the fence. A square 1-acre invisible electric fence that requires about 830 feet of fencing will typically cost around $1,100 for a normal installation with mid-grade wire.

Cost per Linear Foot

The average cost of an electric fence, including labor and materials, is $1.18 per linear foot, while the average range is $0.35 to $2 per linear foot. The easiest way to estimate the cost of an electric fence is to measure the perimeter of the yard, and then multiply that total footage by $1.18. 

Keep in mind that this cost can vary depending on the type of terrain and the number and quality of strands of wire used to construct the fence. 

Cost Factors 

The factors that influence the cost of an electric fence include the price of labor and materials, along with a few less obvious ones. The accessibility of the fence location can add to labor costs, along with the expense of clearing any brush or trees that may be in its path. 

Below, learn about how each affects the total cost of installing an electric fence. 

Labor Costs 

Most electric fence companies base their installation fees on the length of the fence. With that in mind, expect to pay between $0.12 and $0.20 for labor, depending on the terrain and the number of wires in the fence. Based on that rate, the labor cost for a 1 square acre fence (which has a perimeter of about 830 feet) would be between $100 and $166. 

Permits and Requirements 

Municipalities have different regulations when it comes to installing an electric fence. While some may require the customer to have a permit, others may not. Generally speaking, most cities do not allow homeowners to erect an electric fence in a residential area. 

Electric fences are typically only permitted in rural areas explicitly for the purposes of enclosing livestock or keeping wild animals out. 

Accessibility 

Rugged terrain can make transporting materials, equipment, and supplies to the fence location more difficult, extending the time it takes to complete the fence installation project and increasing the overall price. 

A fence that might cost $1 per linear foot to install for materials and labor can end up costing $2 per linear foot or more if the fence line is difficult to access. 

Prep Work 

Prior to installing the fence, the fence line will need to be cleared of any brush or trees. Additional clearing may also be required to allow the equipment necessary for the installation to access the fence line. The cost to remove trees and shrubs can range from $165 to $2,400, depending on the size of the job. 

Number and Type of Strands 

In addition to total length, the cost of an electric fence also depends on the number and type of strands of wire the fence has. Electric fences have between one and 11 wire strands that range from thin wire to high tensile steel. 

Three wires are typically suitable for most livestock, including cattle, horses, and hogs, though the spacing and height of the wires will be different depending on the type of animal. More wires are needed to create a taller fence with narrower gaps that are capable of keeping out predators or deer. 

Other factors that can impact the price of the fence include the distance between the posts and whether the fence is temporary or permanent. Keeping these factors in mind, the total cost for materials can range between $.07 and $0.78 per linear foot.

Cost by Type of Electric Fence 

Not all types of electric fences cost the same—an invisible electric fence is more affordable than an above-ground electric fence. How the electric fence is powered will also impact how much it costs. Learn more about how fence type and power source impact its total price.

Invisible Electric Fence 

Invisible electric fencing is designed to keep animals in a contained area by administering an electric shock via a collar when the animal attempts to cross the invisible fence line. 

This type of electric fence is typically less expensive than a physical wood or chain link fence but pricier than an above-ground electric fence, with a local dog fence installation company charging between $1,000 and $1,600, depending on the length of the fence. 

Since an invisible fence is buried, the cost to repair an invisible fence is less than the cost to fix an above-ground electric fence. 

Editor’s Note About Invisible Electric Fencing

While some owners think electric fences are a good option, others say their dogs have ignored the shock. Some people also have strong feelings against using invisible fences and do not feel they are safe for dogs. 

Amelia Weiber, PDT-KA, CCBC, fear-free certified, who runs Caring Behavior Animal Behavior Consulting and sits on the advisory board for Daily Paws, noted that “electric fences can result in behavioral side effects and may not be able to keep a dog safely in the yard so they should be avoided as a containment option.”

If you still want to consider an invisible fence, you should talk to your veterinarian about your specific pup. Additionally, some states and counties may not allow this type of fencing to be installed, so always check local ordinances. 

Above-Ground Electric Fence

Expect to pay between $1,675 and $2,500 for an above-ground electric fence for livestock. As with any other type of fence, the total cost of the fence is determined by the size of the fenced area. 

The more strands in the fencing and the higher the quality of the wire, the higher the cost of the fence. Keeping that in mind that the average cost to fence in 1 square acre of land is broad, running from $200 to $2,500. 

Solar or Battery

If there is no easy way of providing an electrical connection to the electric fence, one may opt to use a solar charger to power it. If you plan to use a solar energizer, you'll need to install it in an area that receives full sun all day long. 

Most solar chargers can be mounted to a fence post. Solar chargers range in cost from $100 to $500, depending on the length of the fence the charger will be powering. Some fences can also be powered by a 12-volt marine battery, which costs between $30 and $300.  

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can either hire a pro to complete an electric fence installation or complete the installation yourself. Electric fence installations range from $0.23 to $1.80 per linear foot. A fence surrounding 1 square acre (about 830 linear feet) would cost between $190 and $1,500 for a DIY installation. 

A pro installation, in comparison, would cost an additional $0.12 to $0.20 per linear foot for labor, bringing the total cost for fencing in 1 square acre to between $300 and $1,660. While one might be able to save money by installing an electric fence themselves, a professional installation will minimize the cost to repair an electric fence down the line.

How Much Does an Electric Fence for Horses Cost? 

A horse fence typically requires three strands of wire to provide a secure enclosure. The average cost of installing a horse fence ranges from $2,100 to $2,200, with more affordable fences costing around $1,675 and higher-end fences costing about $2,500.