Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28 Amid Price Dip, Workforce Stability Seen

The active rig count in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 28 on Friday, May 29, 2026, according to Bakken Wire's live data. This level of drilling activity, combined with a midday dip in oil prices, points to a period of relative stability for the region's workforce and local economies.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $87.58, down $1.32 (-1.48%), while Brent crude was at $91.17, down $1.53 (-1.65%). The Bakken differential, the discount for Bakken crude compared to WTI, was $-3.42. Natural gas was priced at $3.34.

In the Bakken, the rig count is a direct indicator of upstream oilfield employment, as each operating rig supports a crew of drilling and service personnel. A count of 28 rigs represents a baseline of steady, but not booming, activity. This suggests that hiring in the drilling sector is likely stable, with less volatility compared to periods of rapid rig count expansion or contraction.

The relationship between oil prices, rig activity, and community impact in western North Dakota is well-established. Higher sustained oil prices typically lead to increased drilling, which boosts employment not only on the rigs but across supporting industries such as transportation, construction, and well services. Conversely, price drops or sustained lower prices can lead to reduced activity and workforce reductions.

The current price environment, with WTI still above $87, appears sufficient to maintain the current pace of operations. This stability translates to predictable conditions for local economies in cities like Williston, Dickinson, and Minot. Key indicators such as housing demand and commercial activity often correlate with rig counts. A steady count of 28 rigs suggests housing markets are not under acute pressure from a surge of new workers, nor facing a sharp downturn from a major exodus.

For royalty owners and service companies, the Bakken differential of $-3.42 vs WTI means local crude is priced lower than the benchmark, affecting the revenue received for produced oil. However, the overall price level remains supportive of ongoing production from existing wells, which continues to generate jobs in production operations and midstream sectors.

Long-term community planning in the Bakken often hinges on the trajectory of the rig count. A plateau around 28 rigs provides a more predictable landscape for municipal budgets, school enrollment, and infrastructure projects compared to the dramatic swings seen during previous boom and bust cycles.