Sell Your Mineral Rights in Faulkner County, AR
If you own mineral rights in Faulkner County, you're sitting in the geographic heart of the Fayetteville Shale — the county that includes Conway, the basin's closest major city and the hub of much of its historical drilling activity. The market here is quieter than it was a decade ago, but there are still active buyers, and understanding what your rights are actually worth today is the smartest first move you can make.
Est. per Acre
$100–$800
per net royalty acre
Active Wells
320+
Drilling Activity
Core Basin
Fayetteville Shale
Primary Formation
Primary Resource
Natural Gas
Commodity Type
What's the Reality for Faulkner County Mineral Owners Right Now?
Faulkner County sits near the core of the Fayetteville Shale play, and Conway — the county seat — was a logistics and services hub during the basin's peak drilling years in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Southwestern Energy (SWN), which has been the dominant operator across this basin, historically held significant acreage in Faulkner County and drilled hundreds of horizontal wells here. Activity has slowed considerably since natural gas prices collapsed, and new drilling in the county is limited today. That said, existing wells are still producing, royalty checks are still going out, and there is a market of buyers — primarily financial firms and mineral aggregators — who will pay for producing and non-producing acreage. Your rights aren't worthless, but you should go in with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what you actually own.
Faulkner County Mineral Rights at a Glance
$100 – $800
estimate; varies heavily by production status and lease terms
Estimated Value Range (per net mineral acre)
~320
producing Fayetteville Shale wells; number has declined from peak
Approximate Active Wells in County
1,500 – 6,500 ft
Fayetteville Shale; depth varies significantly across county
Dominant Formation Depth
Natural Gas
minimal associated liquids; dry gas basin
Primary Commodity
2006 – 2012
most existing wells were drilled during this window
Peak Drilling Era
Who's Operating in Faulkner County
Southwestern Energy (SWN)
SWNSEECO Inc. (SWN subsidiary)
N/ABHP
BHPChesapeake Energy
CHKEquitable Production Company
N/AWhat's in the Ground
Fayetteville Shale
The primary target in Faulkner County. A Mississippian-age shale formation that ranges from about 1,500 to 6,500 feet deep across the county — shallower in the northern parts of Faulkner and deeper as you move south. It produces dry natural gas. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing unlocked the play starting around 2004, and Faulkner County was one of the more actively developed counties in the core. Production per well has declined from early peaks but established wells continue to produce.
Moorefield Shale
A deeper Mississippian formation that sits beneath the Fayetteville Shale in parts of the Arkoma Basin. It has seen limited dedicated development in Arkansas compared to the Fayetteville, but it exists as a secondary potential target. Not currently a driver of value for most Faulkner County mineral owners.
Hartshorne Coal
A Pennsylvanian-age coal seam that has produced coalbed methane in the broader Arkoma Basin. Activity related to this formation in Faulkner County has been minimal and it's not a meaningful value driver for most owners here today.
What to Know About Faulkner County
County Seat and Records Location
Mineral rights records, deed transfers, and oil and gas lease filings for Faulkner County are recorded at the Faulkner County Courthouse in Conway, Arkansas. The county assessor's office also maintains records of mineral interest ownership for tax purposes. If you're unsure what you own or whether your title is clear, the Conway courthouse is your starting point — or an experienced landman can pull the chain of title for you.
Arkansas Force Pooling Rules
Arkansas has force pooling statutes that allow operators to include non-consenting mineral owners in a drilling unit. If you've received a pooling notice or a division order and haven't signed anything, you may already be included in a producing unit — and owed royalties. Don't ignore those documents.
Royalty Rates in This Basin
Most legacy leases in the Fayetteville Shale were signed with royalty rates between 1/8th (12.5%) and 3/16ths (18.75%). If your lease was signed during the competitive leasing period of 2005–2010, your rate may be on the lower end. Knowing your royalty rate and net mineral acres is critical before you evaluate any offer.
SEECO's Royalty Litigation History
SEECO Inc., the SWN subsidiary that holds many Fayetteville Shale leases in Faulkner County, was the subject of significant royalty underpayment litigation in Arkansas. If you've been receiving royalties from SEECO, it's worth reviewing your payment history — some owners in this county received settlements or adjusted payments as a result of those disputes.
Questions We Hear From Faulkner County Owners
I got an offer letter in the mail for my Faulkner County minerals. Is it a fair price?
SWN hasn't drilled any new wells on my acreage in years. Does that mean my minerals are worthless?
How is Faulkner County different from other counties in the Fayetteville Shale?
Find Out What Your Faulkner County Minerals Are Actually Worth
Whether you just got an offer, inherited mineral rights, or have been sitting on these for years without knowing what to do with them — we can help you get clarity. No pressure, no obligation. Just a straightforward conversation about your specific situation and what your rights are realistically worth in today's market.
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