(817) 778-9532

Illinois Basin vs Permian Basin: Mineral Rights Comparison

Comparing Illinois Basin and Permian Basin mineral rights — geology, production characteristics, valuations, and operator activity.

Quick answer

The Illinois Basin and Permian Basin represent two ends of the U.S. oil and gas production spectrum. Illinois Basin is mature conventional waterflood production at 1,500-3,000 feet across IL/IN/KY. Permian is intensive unconventional horizontal Wolfcamp/Bone Spring/Spraberry production at 7,000-12,000 feet across West Texas and SE New Mexico. Per-NRA pricing is materially higher in the Permian reflecting the different production economics; production volatility and decline rates also differ substantially.
Get Your Free Written Offer

Two Very Different U.S. Producing Regions

The Illinois Basin and the Permian Basin represent two ends of the U.S. oil and gas production spectrum — Illinois Basin is mature conventional waterflood production at modest depths; Permian is intensive unconventional horizontal development at significant depths.

Side-by-Side

Geography: Illinois Basin = IL, IN, KY. Permian = West Texas + SE New Mexico.

Production type: Illinois Basin = conventional waterflood. Permian = unconventional horizontal Wolfcamp / Bone Spring / Spraberry.

Depth: Illinois Basin 1,500-3,000 ft. Permian 7,000-12,000 ft.

Hydrocarbon profile: Illinois Basin = predominantly oil. Permian = oil + gas + NGL.

Per-NRA pricing: Illinois Basin per-NRA pricing is materially lower than Permian's reflecting the different production economics.

Operator base: Illinois Basin = small private independents. Permian = large public producers (Diamondback, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Permian Resources).

Volatility: Illinois Basin production is stable, low-decline. Permian production has steep initial decline but high IP rates.

Sell Illinois Basin or Permian Mineral Rights

Buckhead Energy buys both.

Start Your Free Written Offer

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois Basin spans IL/IN/KY; Permian spans West Texas and SE New Mexico.
  • Illinois Basin is conventional waterflood; Permian is unconventional horizontal shale.
  • Illinois Basin depths are 1,500-3,000 ft; Permian depths are 7,000-12,000 ft.
  • Permian per-NRA pricing materially exceeds Illinois Basin pricing.
  • Illinois Basin production is stable and low-decline; Permian wells have steep initial decline but high IP rates.
  • Buckhead Energy buys mineral interests in both basins.

Ready to Sell Your Mineral Rights?

Buckhead Energy buys mineral and royalty interests across all 50 states and has completed acquisitions in 33 states. Buckhead Energy is a direct buyer, not a broker — we purchase mineral and royalty interests with our own capital. Buckhead Energy has been buying mineral and royalty interests since 2006. Buckhead Energy holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Get My Offer Now
Or estimate your royalty value with our free calculator →