Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28, Up 3 From Month Ago

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged at 28 on Saturday, according to the latest data from Bakken Wire. The total showed no movement from the previous day, with no new rigs added, none removed, and none relocated.

The current level is one rig higher than the count of 27 reported one week ago on August 1, 2026. Compared to one month ago on July 9, 2026, when the state had 25 active rigs, the count has increased by three units.

The stability in the rig count follows a period of gradual growth over the summer, suggesting a measured pace of drilling activity in the Bakken formation. The rig count is a leading indicator of future oil production in the Williston Basin, as it reflects the number of new wells being drilled and completed.

For Bakken operators, a steady rig count near 30 typically indicates sustained, but not aggressively expanding, development programs focused on core acreage. The count remains well below the historic peaks seen during the previous decade's boom periods but has shown resilience in recent years. Royalty owners in the region monitor the rig count as a gauge of ongoing leasing and development activity on their mineral holdings.

The lack of daily movement in the rig tally is not uncommon, especially on a weekend, as operators finalize plans for the coming week. The incremental increase over the past month aligns with a broader trend of stable commodity prices and disciplined capital spending across the shale sector.

North Dakota's oil production remains heavily dependent on the pace of new drilling to offset the steep decline rates typical of shale wells. Therefore, maintaining a consistent rig count is crucial for sustaining the state's output, which makes it a leading oil-producing state in the U.S.

Further updates on rig locations and specific operator activity will be provided as more detailed data becomes available.