Bakken Rig Count Holds at 25 as Oil Prices Show Modest Gains

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 25 on Monday, July 6, 2026, according to live Bakken Wire data. This rig count, a key indicator of oilfield employment and industrial activity, has remained in a narrow range for months, pointing to a period of stability for regional workforce and communities.

Supporting the current activity level, oil prices posted modest gains in midday trading. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at $68.77 per barrel, up $0.08, while the international benchmark Brent crude traded at $72.18, up $0.38. The price for Bakken crude at the wellhead is effectively discounted, with a differential of $-3.42 versus WTI.

A stable rig count at this level suggests a corresponding stability in direct oilfield employment for roles like drillers, roustabouts, and completion crews. The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and its workforce is highly sensitive to changes in drilling activity. When rig counts rise sharply, rapid hiring often leads to worker shortages, increased wages, and pressure on local housing. Conversely, sharp declines lead to layoffs and economic contraction in service towns.

The current environment, with modestly supportive oil prices and a flat rig count, typically correlates with manageable demand for housing and steady tax revenues for local governments and schools in counties like McKenzie, Williams, and Mountrail. It avoids the extreme boom-and-bust cycles that have historically challenged infrastructure and community services in western North Dakota.

The natural gas price, recorded at $3.24 per MMBtu, remains a secondary factor for most Bakken producers, who primarily target crude oil. The persistent negative differential for Bakken crude reflects the cost of transporting oil from the region to major refining hubs.

For royalty owners and local businesses, the current metrics indicate a predictable, if not booming, economic climate. Sustained activity at this pace helps maintain a baseline for service companies, trucking firms, restaurants, and retail stores that support the oil industry's workforce.