Mineral rights in Payne County, Oklahoma
Payne County is a quieter corner of Oklahoma's mineral market, with 4 permits in the last 24 months — which can mean motivated owners and less buyer competition.
- 4
- Permits · 24 mo
- 8,447
- Wells on record
- 17.8%
- Avg lease royalty
approved through 2026-05-23
recorded leases, 5 yrs
Who's drilling Payne County
Operators ranked by drilling permits approved in the 24 months ending 2026-05-23.
| Operator | Permits · 24 mo |
|---|---|
| Lance Ruffel Oil & Gas | 3 |
| 1978 Investments LLC | 1 |
What the record says
Payne County recorded 4 drilling permits in the 24 months ending 2026-05-23. Activity centers on the Cherokee Platform basin.
Leasing has kept pace: 156 leases were recorded in the county over the last 24 months, with recent recorded leases averaging about 17.8% royalty. For how royalty terms work, see our royalty guide.
Thinking about value? Start with what drives mineral prices or run the numbers in the value calculator.
Payne County mineral rights FAQ
Who is drilling in Payne County, Oklahoma?
The most active operators by permits approved in the last 24 months are Lance Ruffel Oil & Gas, 1978 Investments LLC. The full table above lists the top five with permit counts.
What royalty are leases paying in Payne County?
Recorded leases over the past five years in Payne County average about 17.8% royalty. Individual terms vary with acreage position, competition, and the operator — treat this as a market reference point, not a quote.
How do I research mineral rights ownership in Payne County?
Start with the Payne County clerk's deed records and the county appraisal roll, then verify against state regulator filings. Our title search guide walks through the process, and the Mineral Eagle platform links these records for the whole county.
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Buying in Payne County?
Mineral Eagle links every permit above to the owners it affects — name by name, with the records to back it up.