How much does an electric fence cost?
How much does an electric fence cost?
$1.50 – $7.00 average cost per linear foot (with installation)
$750 – $3,500 average total cost (500 linear feet)
Average electric fence cost
An electric fence costs $1.50 to $7.00 per linear foot with installation or $750 to $3,500 total on average for 500 linear feet. Electric fences offer an effective way to contain pets or livestock while maintaining open sightlines on your property. Costs vary widely based on the size, installation method, and local labor rates.
| Fence type | Cost per linear foot* | Average total cost (500 linear feet)* |
|---|---|---|
| Above ground (wired) | $1.50 – $4.00 | $750 – $2,000 |
| Underground (invisible) | $2 – $7 | $1,000 – $3,500 (pet system) |
*Including labor and materials
Above ground electric fence
An above ground electric fence costs $1.50 to $4.00 per linear foot with installation, depending on the purpose. For example, electric horse fencing costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot and uses wide-set wires or ribbons that horses can see from farther away.
Electric fencing designed to keep humans, wild animals, or livestock away may cost slightly more. Most electric fences use 1 to 11 strands made from thin wire to strong high-tensile steel. 3 wires are usually enough for livestock like cattle and hogs. Predators or deer require up to 11 wires.
Underground electric fence
An underground or invisible electric fence costs $2 to $7 per linear foot with installation. Invisible fences connect to a collar that alerts the dog, cat, or other animal wearing it when they approach the barrier. They can deliver a light shock, vibration, or an alarm tone.
Some invisible fences are wireless and use GPS tracking or Wi-Fi to alert the pet and notify the owner when the pet leaves the boundary.
Electric fencing cost by size
The main factor in the price of an electric fence is the size since most contractors price their materials per linear foot. The more feet or acres on your property, the more you'll pay.
| Size (linear feet) | Installed cost (above ground fence) |
Installed cost (underground fence) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | $375 – $1,000 | $500 – $1,750 |
| 500 | $750 – $2,000 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| 750 | $1,100 – $3,000 | $1,500 – $5,300 |
| 1,000 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
Cost per acre
The following table shows the average cost of an above-ground electric fence per acre:
| Acres | Perimeter (linear feet) | Average cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 209 | $310 – $840 |
| 1/2 | 418 | $630 – $1,700 |
| 1 | 835 | $1,250 – $3,300 |
| 2 | 1,180 | $1,800 – $4,700 |
| 3 | 1,445 | $2,200 – $5,800 |
| 4 | 1,670 | $2,500 – $6,700 |
*For an above-ground fence, including materials and labor
Electric fence price factors
Several other factors can influence electric fencing prices:
Terrain & access: Rocky, hilly, or hard-to-reach areas raise labor costs. If you live near forests or wild animals, you may need to adjust your voltage or fence height.
Animal type: Livestock like cattle and horses are easier to control with lower voltages, followed by somewhat docile animals like pigs and goats. Wild animals and sheep with heavy coats require higher voltages and more robust fencing.
Power: Electric fences use pulses of electricity instead of continually using energy like a lightbulb, so they won't significantly increase your energy bill. Solar chargers and battery backups add resilience but can increase upfront costs by $100 to $300+.
Permits & local codes: Some areas require building permits for electric fence installation, adding to total expenses. Most cities don't let homeowners install electric fences in residential neighborhoods, just rural areas.
Extra features: Additional gates, backup power, or advanced controls increase the overall budget.
Maintenance: Occasional repairs to wires, posts, or chargers could add to your long-term costs.
Before you can install an electric fence, you'll have to clear the area of any brush or trees. Removing shrubs costs $25 to $150 each, while tree removal costs $150 to $500+.
Labor
Fencing contractors charge $35 to $130 per hour, depending on their experience level and local labor rates. Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 to install the electric wiring, energizer, and any solar panels or backup batteries.
FAQs about electric fencing
How does an electric fence work?
An electric fence works by delivering a brief, high-voltage pulse along a wire connected to a power source. When an animal or person touches the wire and the ground simultaneously, the current flows through their body and back to the ground rod, resulting in a quick, safe shock.
This shock acts as a psychological barrier, training animals to avoid the fence without causing lasting harm. Proper grounding and installation ensure the system delivers effective and consistent deterrence.
How many volts is an electric fence?
The required voltage for an electric fence depends on the size and type of animal you're containing or deterring. Livestock and large animals need higher voltages, while pet and small animal fences use lower voltages for safety.
Pets and small animals: 700 to 3,000 volts
Livestock and large animals: 4,000 to 5,000 volts
Maximum output for some energizers: 7,000 to 10,000 volts (always at low amperage for safety)
Are electric fence output voltages AC or DC?
Electric fence output voltages are almost always pulsed DC (direct current), not AC (alternating current). The power source for the energizer can be AC (plug-in), DC (battery), or solar, but the shock delivered through the fence is a brief DC pulse.
Getting estimates from fence installers
Follow these simple steps to get trustworthy estimates from farm fence contractors:
Measure the total length of fence needed and note any challenging terrain or obstacles that could raise installation costs.
Check company reviews on sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least 3 quotes to compare prices and services.
Ask if the contractor has insurance, offers warranties, and will handle utility marking before digging.
Inquire about material quality, post depth, connection methods, and any maintenance needs that could impact long-term costs.
Questions to ask an electric fence installer
Ask these questions to make sure you pick a reliable contractor that fits your schedule and budget:
What type of electric fence system do you recommend for my property and needs?
How will you assess and handle challenging terrain or obstacles on my property?
What is the total estimated cost, including materials, labor, and any additional features?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the materials and components you'll use?
Will you handle all necessary permits, local code compliance, and utility marking before installation?
How much maintenance will the fence require, and what does routine upkeep involve?
What kind of warranty and post-installation support do you offer?
How will you test and ensure the fence operates at the correct voltage and is safe for my animals or pets?
Do you have proof of insurance and references from previous electric fence installations?
How long will installation take? What is your process for handling unexpected issues or delays?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.