U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells by Production Rate

(Thu, 19 Dec 2024) Our Well Distribution Report presents historical, annual state-level data on well distribution by size and technology and analyzes emerging trends for 2023. Crude oil and natural gas wells drilled horizontally through hydrocarbon-bearing formations are among the most productive wells in the United States. The total number of horizontally drilled wells has increased 88% since 2014. In 2023, 77% of the more than 918,000 U.S. wells produced 15 barrels of oil equivalent per day or less. These wells are mostly older and drilled vertically.