The number of producing oil wells in the U.S. rose 3.5% in 2014, to an estimated 600,679. This figure is in line with the 2012-2013 improvement of 3.5%. Just four U.S. states account for more than half of the country’s active oil wells. Texas continues its place as the leader with the highest number of producing oil wells. Between 2013 and 2014, the Lone Star state saw a 4.7% increase in the total well count to 183,508. Of these, 21,257 flowed under their own pressure, while 162,251 were on some kind of artificial life. District 8 in the Permian basin of West Texas ranked as the most active producing region in the state with 57,152 active wells reported last year. Nearby District 8A came in second with 24,246 wells. While not quite matching 2013’s blistering pace, the state’s well count was still sufficient to almost double that of its closest rival, Oklahoma.

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