Quercus depressipes is found on mountainous grassy slopes, at elevations of 2100-2600 meters (7000-8700 feet) above sea level. Its primary habitat is in the Mexican high deserts, in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, Nuevo León, and Zacatecas. In the United States, Q. depressipes has been found only in the Davis Mountains in western Texas, particularly on Mount Livermore.