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The number of producing oil wells in the U.S. rose 3.4% last year. In 2012, the U.S. was home to 560,308 active wells, but last year, this figure increased by 19,112 to 579,420.
The three most prolific states in the Union account for over half of the active oil wells in the United States. Texas continues to boast the highest number of producing oil wells. Between 2012 and 2013, the Lone Star state saw a 6.3% rise in the total well count to 170,299. Of these active wells, 154,552 were produced with the aid of artificial lift, and 15,747 were flowing naturally. District 8 continues to be the most active producer in the state with 49,788 active wells reported last year. District 8A ranked second in the state with 23,691 wells. Both of these districts fall within the Permian basin. Oklahoma continues to boast the second highest well count with 88,500 active oil wells, while Kansas came in third with a well count of 64,974, an increase of 4.5%.
Among significant states, West Virginia reported the greatest percentage increase in the number of its wells. In 2012, the state had 820 active oil wells, but last year the state played host to 1,042 active wells, an increase of more than 27%. North Dakota, home to the Bakken shale, had the second greatest percentage increase. In 2012, the state had 8,300 wells. Last year, this figure rose 22.9% to 10,200.
| Estimated U.S. wells producing oil at the end of 2013 |
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Four states—Kentucky, Ohio, Alaska and California—experienced reductions in the number of active oil wells. Of these, Kentucky experienced the largest decline, which may be attributed to the state updating numbers in past years. The state reported a 13.6% reduction in its well count. In 2012, the state had 25,048 active oil wells, but last year this figure dropped to 21,635. Ohio experienced the second greatest percentage reduction, with a decline of 1,196 wells. Alaska and California experienced slight decreases in their respective well counts. Alaska’s count dropped by 44 to 1,668, and California’s count decreased by the same number, or 0.1%, to 48,500.
The number of active producing wells in federal waters increased 6% during 2013. In the Gulf of Mexico, the well count in-creased to 2,472. Of these 1,105 wells are flowing naturally, while the remaining 1,367 are on artificial lift. The Pacific saw 43 wells added to its well count, an 11.3% increase, giving a 2013 well count of 423. 
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