CALIFORNIA OIL & GAS DATA
Comprehensive data on California's top producing oil fields, major operators, and county-by-county production statistics.
US Ranking (BOE)
Barrels/Day (2024)
Proved Reserves (BBL)
California is the eighth-largest crude oil producer in the United States and ranks fourth in barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) produced. The state has been producing oil since the 1860s, making it one of America's oldest petroleum provinces. Today, approximately 80-90% of California's onshore drilling takes place in Kern County in the San Joaquin Valley.
California is home to four "super giant" oil fields that have each produced over 1 billion barrels of oil, and 21 additional "giant" fields that have each produced over 100 million barrels.
These four fields have each produced over 1 billion barrels of oil, making them among the most prolific in U.S. history.
The largest oil field in California and the largest in the contiguous United States by total oil in place (~27 billion barrels of heavy oil). Discovered in 1894.
Third largest oil field in California, fifth largest in the United States. Located north-northeast of Bakersfield. Known for heavy oil production using steam injection.
Former U.S. Naval Petroleum Reserve, covering nearly 75 square miles. One of the most productive fields in the United States. Located 20 miles west of Bakersfield.
Fourth largest oil field in California, sixth most productive in the United States. Part of the larger Belridge Producing Complex which also includes North Belridge, Lost Hills, and Cymric fields.
Kern County is California's oil powerhouse, accounting for approximately 65-70% of the state's total production. Four of the nation's top seven producing oil fields are located here. More than 95% of all federal drilling in California occurs in established fields within Kern County.
| Field Name | Primary Operator | Production Status | Key Formation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Hills | Chevron | ~12M BBL/year | Diatomite |
| Cymric | Aera Energy (CRC) | ~40,000 BBL/day | Multiple |
| Buena Vista | CRC | Active | Multiple |
| Coles Levee | CRC | Active | Multiple |
| Kern Front | CRC | Active (Steamflood) | Heavy Oil |
| North Belridge | Aera Energy (CRC) | Active | Diatomite |
Production Fact: The three largest Kern County fields—Midway-Sunset, South Belridge, and Kern River—together account for approximately 33% of all California oil production.
Los Angeles County has approximately 3,239 active oil wells, about a quarter of which are offshore. In 2024, the county produced approximately 12 million barrels of oil—about 11% of California's total.
The third largest oil field in the United States by cumulative production. Discovered in 1932, it spans the 13-mile long and 3-mile wide Wilmington Anticline. Ultimate recovery estimated at 3 billion barrels.
| Field Name | Operator | Discovered | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | CRC (THUMS) | 1921 | Active (Offshore) |
| Huntington Beach | CRC | 1920 | Active |
| Signal Hill | Signal Hill Petroleum | 1921 | Active |
| Beverly Hills | Various | 1900 | Limited |
| Los Angeles City | Various | 1892 | Limited |
Regulatory Note: In January 2023, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors banned new oil and gas operations within the county and set a 20-year phaseout for existing operations due to environmental and health concerns.
The Ventura and Santa Maria basins contain significant oil resources, though production levels are lower than Kern County. These areas include both onshore and offshore operations.
| Field Name | County | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ventura Avenue | Ventura | Various | Historic field, established production |
| Cat Canyon | Santa Barbara | HVI Cat Canyon | Largest field in Santa Barbara County |
| East Cat Canyon | Santa Barbara | Aera Energy | Redevelopment potential |
| Santa Ynez Unit | Santa Barbara | Sable Offshore Corp | Offshore (former ExxonMobil) |
| Orcutt | Santa Barbara | Various | Discovered 1901 |
| Zaca | Santa Barbara | HVI Cat Canyon | Mature field |
California's largest independent oil producer. In 2024, CRC merged with Aera Energy LLC, significantly expanding their footprint.
Key Operations:
Elk Hills, Wilmington, Huntington Beach
San Joaquin Basin (38 fields)
~1.3 million net mineral acres
Originally formed when Shell and Mobil combined California operations. Produces approximately 25% of California's oil.
Key Operations:
Midway-Sunset, Belridge Complex
Cymric, Lost Hills
Kern, Ventura, Monterey, Fresno counties
Major international oil company with significant California operations, particularly in heavy oil fields.
Key Operations:
Kern River Oil Field (primary operator)
Lost Hills Oil Field
Various San Joaquin Basin fields
Signal Hill Petroleum - Signal Hill fields
Sable Offshore Corp - Santa Ynez Unit
HVI Cat Canyon - Cat Canyon, Zaca
Tidelands Oil Production - West Wilmington
| County | % of CA Production | Major Fields | Primary Basin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kern | ~65-70% | Midway-Sunset, Kern River, Elk Hills, Belridge | San Joaquin |
| Los Angeles | ~11% | Wilmington, Long Beach, Huntington Beach | Los Angeles |
| Ventura | ~5-8% | Ventura Avenue, various | Ventura |
| Santa Barbara | ~3-5% | Cat Canyon, Santa Ynez | Santa Maria |
| Fresno | ~2-3% | Coalinga | San Joaquin |
| Monterey | ~1-2% | San Ardo | Salinas |
Whether your minerals are in Kern County, Los Angeles, or elsewhere in California, we provide free valuations.
Get Your Free ValuationProduction data compiled from public sources including:
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)
Disclaimer: Production data is compiled from publicly available sources and may not reflect the most current figures. Field production varies based on commodity prices, drilling activity, and operational factors. This information is for educational purposes only.