Bakken Rig Count Holds at 25, Remains Down Slightly From Month Ago

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken region held steady at 25 on Sunday, July 19, 2026, according to live rig data. There were no new rigs added, none removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous day's count.

This current count represents a slight increase from one week prior, when 24 rigs were active on July 12. However, activity remains down by one rig compared to a month ago, when 26 rigs were operating on June 19.

The rig count is a key leading indicator of future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. A stable count in the mid-20s suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development, balancing capital discipline with the need to drill new wells to offset steep production declines typical of shale wells.

While the immediate data shows no day-to-day movement, the slight downtick from the previous month's level may reflect ongoing adjustments by operators to shifting commodity prices, operational efficiency gains, or seasonal factors. Rig counts can fluctuate based on individual company drilling schedules, completion crew availability, and supply chain logistics.

The current activity level is indicative of an industry focused on maximizing returns from existing assets and high-graded drilling inventory. Operators in the Williston Basin continue to employ advanced drilling techniques to increase the productivity of each well, which can allow production to be maintained even with a flat or slightly lower rig count.

For royalty owners and service companies, a consistent rig count provides a degree of predictability for local economic activity. Sustained drilling is necessary to support the region's service sector and mineral income.

The trend over the next several weeks will be watched for signs of either an acceleration in development or a further pullback, as companies finalize budgets and respond to market conditions. Any significant movement away from the current range would signal a shift in operator sentiment and capital allocation for the Bakken.