Bakken Rig Count Holds at 27 for Second Straight Week
The North Dakota active rig tally remains unchanged from last Friday's level, continuing a period of stability after recent modest gains.
The number of rigs actively drilling for oil and gas in North Dakota held steady at 27 on Friday, July 31, 2026, according to live data from Bakken Wire. There were no new rigs added, none removed, and none that moved location since the previous day's report.
This marks the second consecutive Friday where the rig count has been reported at 27. The count is up by three rigs compared to one week ago, on July 24, when 24 rigs were active. Compared to the beginning of the month, the current activity is up by a single rig from the count of 26 recorded on July 1.
The stability at the 27-rig level represents a plateau following the gains seen over the last month. Rig count is a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production in the Bakken formation and broader Williston Basin, as it reflects the pace of new well development.
A rig count in the mid-to-high 20s is typical of the current activity plateau the Bakken has experienced over the past year. This level of drilling is sufficient to maintain basin-wide production but indicates a focus on capital discipline and efficiency among operators rather than aggressive growth.
The lack of day-to-day movement in rigs also suggests a settled operational schedule for drilling contractors and oilfield service companies working in the region. With no rigs moving location, current drilling programs are continuing without interruption.
For royalty owners and service-dependent communities, a steady rig count provides a predictable, if not expanding, level of economic activity. The count remains far below the boom-era highs of over 200 rigs but has found a sustainable equilibrium in recent years.
Analysts monitor the rig count alongside well completion rates and inventory of drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs) to gauge the trajectory of North Dakota's oil output. The current stable rig activity suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development aligned with commodity prices and operational efficiency goals.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
