The Republican Stronghold That Strongly Opposes Offshore Drilling

Over the past several years, public support for offshore drilling has faltered. While 59.2% of Americans supported drilling for oil off the U.S. coast in 2022, by 2024 that share had fallen to 52.4%.

While support for offshore drilling is strongly correlated with political affiliation, opposition to drilling offshore for oil and natural gas has permeated into some of reddest parts of the country. Several traditionally Republican municipalities have passed resolutions opposing offshore drilling, particularly in coastal regions where the environmental impacts could have impacts on tourism. Nationwide, there are 62 Republican counties — where Trump won at least 50% of votes in 2024 — in which at least 50% of the population also opposes expanding offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in the United States. In the Republican county with the strongest opposition, the percentage of adults against drilling outranks most Democratic counties. A closer look at the data reveals the Republican counties most opposed to offshore drilling.

To identify the Republican counties most opposed to offshore drilling, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on 2024 election results and  and climate opinion from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Counties where Trump won at least 50% of votes in 2024 were ranked based on the percentage of adults who answered that they “somewhat support” or “strongly support” policies aimed at expanding offshore drilling for oil and natural gas off the U.S. coast in a 2024 survey. Supplemental data on the percentage of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree are from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey. Data on city population are from the Census Bureau and are for 2023, while data on FEMA risk level are based on National Risk Index estimates for 2023.

40. Lewis and Clark County, MT

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.3%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 51.1%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 42.8%
• Median household income: $74,543
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Helena, Helena Valley Southeast, Helena Valley West Central, Helena Valley Northwest, Helena Valley Northeast, East Helena, Helena West Side

39. Escambia County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.4%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 59.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 28.9%
• Median household income: $65,715
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: Pensacola, Ferry Pass, Bellview, Brent, Ensley, West Pensacola, Myrtle Grove

38. Conejos County, CO

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.4%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 57.5%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 23.3%
• Median household income: $47,209
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Sanford, Manassa, La Jara, Antonito, Romeo, Capulin, Conejos

37. Kittitas County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.5%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 55.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 35.3%
• Median household income: $69,928
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Kittitas, Roslyn, South Cle Elum, Snoqualmie Pass, Easton

36. Fresno County, CA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.5%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 50.9%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 23.9%
• Median household income: $71,434
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Reedley, Selma, Coalinga, Kerman

35. Benton County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.5%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 59.6%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 33.0%
• Median household income: $87,316
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, Finley, Benton City

34. Chelan County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.6%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 53.4%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
• Median household income: $78,306
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Wenatchee, Chelan, Sunnyslope, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Manson, South Wenatchee

33. Morris County, NJ

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.7%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 50.4%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 57.2%
• Median household income: $134,929
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Morristown, Dover, Madison, Florham Park, Lincoln Park, Kinnelon, Budd Lake

32. Wheeler County, OR

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.7%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 71.4%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 20.4%
• Median household income: $51,250
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Fossil, Mitchell, Spray

31. St. Lucie County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.7%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 54.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 25.4%
• Median household income: $69,027
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Lakewood Park, Indian River Estates, Fort Pierce North, River Park, White City

30. Wahkiakum County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.8%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 57.5%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 22.3%
• Median household income: $57,091
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Puget Island, East Cathlamet, Cathlamet, Lower Elochoman, Rosburg, Skamokawa Valley, Grays River

29. Dallas County, IA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 51.9%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 51.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 51.6%
• Median household income: $102,349
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Waukee, Perry, Adel, Granger, Dallas Center, Van Meter, Woodward

28. Latah County, ID

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.1%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 52.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 44.9%
• Median household income: $65,179
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Moscow, Genesee, Troy, Potlatch, Juliaetta, Deary, Kendrick

27. Curry County, OR

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.1%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 56.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 24.2%
• Median household income: $64,769
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Brookings, Gold Beach, Harbor, Port Orford, Nesika Beach, Langlois, Pistol River

26. Weber County, UT

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.2%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 60.3%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 28.0%
• Median household income: $87,083
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Ogden, Roy, North Ogden, West Haven, South Ogden, Pleasant View, Riverdale

25. Keweenaw County, MI

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.2%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 55.6%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 43.6%
• Median household income: $53,893
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Eagle Harbor, Copper Harbor, Ahmeek, Eagle River

24. Klickitat County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.3%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 53.1%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 31.2%
• Median household income: $70,400
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Goldendale, White Salmon, Dallesport, Bingen, Trout Lake, Wishram, Klickitat

23. Wallowa County, OR

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.3%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 66.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 36.9%
• Median household income: $65,559
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Enterprise, Joseph, Wallowa, Lostine, Wallowa Lake

22. Sarasota County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.6%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 58.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 39.7%
• Median household income: $80,633
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: North Port, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, South Venice, Fruitville, Sarasota Springs

21. Wasco County, OR

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.6%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 51.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 21.8%
• Median household income: $63,602
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: The Dalles, Chenoweth, Dufur, Mosier, Pine Hollow, Maupin, Rowena

20. Osceola County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.7%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 50.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 28.3%
• Median household income: $68,711
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Four Corners, Buenaventura Lakes, Celebration, Campbell, Yeehaw Junction

19. Park County, CO

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 52.9%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 56.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 38.8%
• Median household income: $95,450
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Fairplay, Alma, Guffey

18. Douglas County, CO

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 53.1%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 52.3%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 60.9%
• Median household income: $145,737
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, The Pinery, Stonegate

17. Mariposa County, CA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 53.3%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 59.2%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 30.9%
• Median household income: $65,378
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Yosemite Valley, Lake Don Pedro, Mariposa, Greeley Hill, Catheys Valley, El Portal, Bootjack

16. El Dorado County, CA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 53.4%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 54.6%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 38.8%
• Median household income: $106,190
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: El Dorado Hills, South Lake Tahoe, Cameron Park, Diamond Springs, Placerville, Pollock Pines, Auburn Lake Trails

15. Walla Walla County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 53.6%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 52.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 30.1%
• Median household income: $72,212
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Walla Walla, College Place, Burbank, Garrett, Walla Walla East, Waitsburg, Touchet

14. Carver County, MN

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 53.8%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 51.7%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 50.5%
• Median household income: $123,144
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Chaska, Chanhassen, Waconia, Victoria, Carver, Watertown, Norwood Young America

13. Okanogan County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 54.6%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 56.0%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 24.0%
• Median household income: $60,293
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Omak, Okanogan, Brewster, Oroville, Coulee Dam, Twisp, Malott

12. El Paso County, CO

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 54.7%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 53.6%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 41.1%
• Median household income: $87,470
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, Fountain, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Monument

11. Monmouth County, NJ

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 54.8%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 54.8%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 50.6%
• Median household income: $122,727
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: Long Branch, Tinton Falls, Asbury Park, West Freehold, Eatontown, Red Bank, Robertsville

10. Placer County, CA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 55.1%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 52.8%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 42.9%
• Median household income: $114,678
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, North Auburn, Auburn, Loomis

9. Mineral County, CO

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 55.2%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 55.4%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 54.5%
• Median household income: $52,455
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: City of Creede

8. Polk County, OR

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 55.4%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 50.4%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 30.6%
• Median household income: $81,318
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Grand Ronde, Falls City, Fort Hill, Rickreall

7. Monroe County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 55.6%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 58.8%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 37.8%
• Median household income: $82,430
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: Key West, Key Largo, Marathon, Islamorada, Village of Islands, Stock Island, Big Pine Key, Big Coppitt Key

6. Hillsborough County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 55.8%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 50.9%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 37.2%
• Median household income: $75,011
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very high
• Largest cities: Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Town ‘n’ Country, University, Plant City, Valrico

5. Spokane County, WA

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 55.9%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 51.0%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 32.1%
• Median household income: $73,513
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively low
• Largest cities: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Fairwood, Mead

4. Miami-Dade County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 56.0%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 55.4%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 33.2%
• Median household income: $68,694
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very high
• Largest cities: Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach, Homestead, Kendall, Doral

3. Ada County, ID

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 56.0%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 53.8%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 43.9%
• Median household income: $88,907
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively moderate
• Largest cities: Boise City, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Garden City, Star, Hidden Springs

2. Hinsdale County, CO

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 57.9%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 54.8%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 47.1%
• Median household income: $64,327
• FEMA disaster risk level: Very low
• Largest cities: Lake City, Piedra, Cathedral

1. Pinellas County, FL

• Adults who oppose offshore drilling off the U.S. coast: 62.4%
• Adults who voted for Trump in 2024: 52.1%
• Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 35.8%
• Median household income: $70,293
• FEMA disaster risk level: Relatively high
• Largest cities: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, East Lake

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