Ten Permian Counties Drive 93% US Oil Growth Since 2020

Between 2020 and 2024, 93% of the United States' crude oil production growth occurred in just ten counties within the Permian Basin, spanning Texas and New Mexico. These counties—Lea and Eddy in New Mexico, and Martin, Midland, Andrews, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Reagan, and Ward in Texas—added nearly 1.9 million barrels per day, with Lea and Eddy alone contributing nearly 1 million barrels per day. By 2024, these counties produced an average of 4.8 million barrels per day, accounting for 37% of total U.S. crude oil production, surpassing the output of countries like Kuwait and nearing that of Iraq. The surge is driven primarily by prolific shale formations such as Bone Spring, Spraberry, and Wolfcamp, where drillers have improved efficiency and output on existing acreage. Outside these ten counties, oil production growth across the rest of the U.S., including offshore areas, was minimal. This concentration underscores the Permian Basin’s critical role in the U.S. and global oil supply landscape.