<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE HOUSTON EXPLORATION COMPANY SET FORTH IN THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 2,373
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 75,412
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 1,462
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 80,795
<PP&E> 1,252,345
<DEPRECIATION> 582,244
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 753,685
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 64,582
<BONDS> 274,000
0
0
<COMMON> 293
<OTHER-SE> 347,377
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 753,685
<SALES> 168,930
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 170,181
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 91,982
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,752
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 9,115
<INCOME-PRETAX> 67,332
<INCOME-TAX> 22,889
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 44,443
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 44,443
<EPS-BASIC> 1.62
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.60
</TABLE>