The multi-stage regional tectonics in the Wuzhong area of the western margin of Ordos Basin have led to significant variations in structural morphology, stratigraphic distribution, and regional differences in Upper Paleozoic. This has resulted in a lack of understanding regarding the distribution and geochemical characteristics of source rocks. This paper systematically evaluated the geochemical characteristics of Upper Paleozoic source rocks through rock pyrolysis, and maceral analysis, focusing on organic matter abundance, type, maturity in both vertical and horizontal dimensions to explore their hydrocarbon generation potential. The results indicated that a favorable coal-forming environment has deposited a set of coal measure source rocks with varying thickness distributions including mudstone, coal, and carbonaceous mudstone. The vitrinite and inertinite are widely distributed within the maceral of organic matter microscopic group with mainly type II2 and type III present. With the exception of the mudstones of Shanxi Formation, the source rocks generally exhibit middle to above grade maturity in the Upper Paleozoic, with organic matter reaching a high to over mature stage. These findings suggest a strong material basis for hydrocarbon generation across the entire area making it potentially an original hydrocarbon generation center for the Upper Paleozoic in the western margin of Ordos Basin. The study on the Upper Paleozoic source rock as primary holds significant guidance for oil and gas exploration.