The Counties With The Most Oil
Oil production wells in the US draw from different basins. The Permian is the primary basin and the largest, covering the southeast corner of New Mexico and a good portion of Texas. It is where the top five oil-producing counties have wells, and it produced about 48% of US crude oil in 2025. One of the things to consider is that these counties don't just pump oil, because the oil industry influences the county's population, infrastructure, and the community, in addition to having an obvious economic impact. What follows is the top five counties with the most oil, based upon the number of barrels a day produced in 2025, according to Novi Labs, a top energy analytics company. Other information provided comes from various impact studies that have been completed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, ExxonMobil, and MPRA/ResearchGate.
Lea County, New Mexico
4,200 wells producing 1,028,137.7 barrels a day
As a top crude-producing county, Lea, New Mexico has a major economic impact. Lea, along with Eddy and Chaves counties, accounts for 26.5% of the state's GDP. Oil activity of this magnitude has huge impacts on the county, including funding community needs such as emergency services, community hospitals, and schools. It also drives the need for a strong infrastructure to handle the heavy road use resulting in large public and private investments throughout the region. Population has been increasing due to oilfield jobs and that has led to rapid housing development.
Eddy County, New Mexico
3,342 wells producing 790,132.2 barrels a day
Oil production has overtaken potash mining and the tourism drawn by Carlsbad Caverns in Eddy, New Mexico. The influx of workers to fill the employment needs has resulted in some housing shortage concerns and other growth pressures. On the plus side, however, the county is enjoying the school funding that oil revenue provides, as well as the tax revenues being used for road and public service improvements.
Martin County, Texas
3,265 wells producing 592,629.7 barrels a day
Martin has had a few more challenges than other counties when it comes to the impact of oil production. They have been dealing with severe road deterioration and the limited diversification that comes when a small population's income is tied nearly completely to oil wages. There has been limited commercial development beyond oil which further limits diversification.
Midland County, Texas
3,338 wells producing 558,267.7 barrels a day
As one of the largest producing counties in Texas, Midland is often called the "Oil Capital of the Permian Basin." The oil industry has brought about many changes, including airport expansions, downtown redevelopment, and road widening projects. During booms, however, they find their water supply stressed and face challenges regarding housing, the cost of living, and schools because of the population growth.
Loving County, Texas
1,756 wells producing 403,521.9 barrels a day
Production in Loving is quite high considering its smaller number of wells. This is a good thing in a county where oil production is essentially the entire economy. Oddly enough, their population doesn't seem to increase. It continues to be one of the least populated counties in the US. They also seem to manage it with minimal infrastructure, choosing to rely on neighboring areas for services. This does, though, put a strain on what infrastructure exists. The wealth created from oil is concentrated among the landowners, so there isn't as much impact in Loving as there is in other counties. Its main struggle is that the county is resource-rich, but population-poor.
Life In The Permian Basin
The top oil-producing counties utilizing the Permian Basin have an identity that is profoundly affected by the oil industry. Progress is never without hurdles, but these counties meld the opportunities with the challenges in a way that demands respect from a nation highly dependent on oil. Oil companies are cognizant of the issues the communities face and take part in minimizing the adverse effects, sometimes in small ways but often in significant ones. When a county depends on one industry, it is like putting your eggs in one basket, yet for the most part, it works well and the counties gain benefits they might not have enjoyed otherwise.
