Sell Your Mineral Rights in Faulkner County County, AR
If you own mineral rights in Faulkner County, you're sitting in the heart of the Fayetteville Shale — one of Arkansas's most significant natural gas plays. Drilling activity has slowed from its peak years, but there are still buyers actively acquiring acreage here, and values depend heavily on where your acres sit and whether there's existing production. Let's help you figure out exactly what yours are worth.
Est. per Acre
$100–$800
per net royalty acre
Active Wells
4,200+
Drilling Activity
Core Basin
Fayetteville Shale
Primary Formation
Primary Resource
Natural Gas
Commodity Type
What's Actually Happening in Faulkner County Right Now
Faulkner County sits in the core of the Fayetteville Shale, which had its heyday in the late 2000s and early 2010s when companies like Southwestern Energy and Chesapeake were drilling aggressively across north-central Arkansas. Activity has come down significantly since then — low natural gas prices and shifting operator focus have slowed new drilling. That said, there are thousands of producing wells in this county, which means if you have existing production or acreage near producing units, there's real value here. The honest picture: this isn't a red-hot market, but it's not dead either. Buyers do exist, and if you've recently received an offer, it's worth understanding whether it's fair before you sign anything.
Faulkner County by the Numbers
4,000+
wells
Estimated producing wells in the Fayetteville Shale (statewide)
$100 – $400
per acre (estimate)
Estimated value range per acre (non-producing, undeveloped)
$400 – $800+
per acre (estimate)
Estimated value range per acre (producing or near production)
1,500 – 6,500
feet
Primary target depth (Fayetteville Shale)
Natural Gas
Primary commodity
Who's Operating in Faulkner County
Southwestern Energy
SWNSEECO (subsidiary of SWN)
N/AChesapeake Energy
CHKBHP
BHPShell (formerly active through acquisitions)
SHELWhat's in the Ground
Fayetteville Shale
This is the primary target in Faulkner County and the reason most mineral rights here have any value. It's a Mississippian-age shale that produces dry natural gas — no oil to speak of. It runs between 1,500 and 6,500 feet deep depending on where you are in the county, and horizontal drilling became the dominant technique starting around 2006. At its peak, this was one of the most active shale plays in the country. Production has declined from those highs, but thousands of wells are still producing and generating royalty income for landowners.
Questions We Hear From Faulkner County Owners
I got an offer from an operator or a mineral buying company. Should I take it?
Is anyone actually still drilling in the Fayetteville Shale?
I inherited these mineral rights and have no idea what I actually own. Where do I start?
What to Know About Arkansas Mineral Rights
Mineral rights can be severed from surface rights
In Arkansas, it's common for mineral rights to have been separated from the surface decades ago. You may own the minerals without owning the land, or vice versa. This is completely normal, but it means you need to know exactly what your deed says before assuming you own both.
The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission regulates production
The AOGC oversees drilling permits, well spacing, and production reporting in Arkansas. If you want to verify whether there are active wells on your acreage or check production volumes, their online database is publicly accessible and a good starting point.
Royalty rates and lease terms vary
Standard royalty rates in the Fayetteville Shale have typically ranged from 12.5% to 20%, depending on when leases were negotiated. If you're still under an old lease, the terms may be less favorable than what's available today. If your lease has expired, you may have more flexibility to negotiate or sell.
No state income tax on mineral royalties — but federal taxes apply
Arkansas does have a state income tax, and royalty income is taxable at both the state and federal level. If you're selling mineral rights outright, that's typically treated as a capital gain. It's worth talking to a tax advisor before you close any deal.
Not Sure What Your Faulkner County Minerals Are Worth?
We work with mineral owners across Arkansas and we know the Fayetteville Shale well. Whether you've just received an offer, inherited rights you've never looked at, or just want to understand what you have — the first step is a free, no-pressure conversation. We'll tell you what we think your minerals are worth and why. No obligation, no hard sell.
Get My Free ValuationGet a Free Offer for Your Faulkner County County Mineral Rights
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