Bakken Rig Count Holds at 28, Up 5 From July

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 28 on Wednesday, August 5, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count showed no day-over-day change, with no new rigs added, removed, or relocated since Tuesday.

This stability follows recent incremental gains in the state's drilling activity. Compared to one week ago, the Bakken rig count is up by two rigs from the 26 reported on July 29, 2026. The current activity level represents a more significant increase of five rigs from the 23 active rigs recorded one month ago on July 6, 2026.

The steady, gradual climb in North Dakota aligns with a broader trend of increasing drilling activity across the continent. According to a report from Rigzone published August 4, North America added 16 rigs week on week, marking the third consecutive week of gains. The data, sourced from Baker Hughes' latest North America rotary rig count, indicates a positive shift in operator sentiment and capital deployment for drilling programs.

For Bakken operators, a rig count in the upper 20s represents a sustained level of activity focused on high-graded drilling locations and maintaining core production. The count remains significantly below historical peaks seen during previous boom cycles but reflects a disciplined approach to development in the current commodity price environment.

The stability in the rig count suggests operators are executing planned drilling schedules without major adjustments. Each active rig represents ongoing investment in the Williston Basin, supporting local service companies and contributing to future oil production volumes. The month-over-month increase of five rigs points to a measured expansion of drilling programs by some operators in the region.

Royalty owners in the Bakken region watch the rig count as a leading indicator of future drilling and completion activity on their lands. The current trend of moderate growth suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook among producers, though the pace remains controlled.

The North American rig count data provides important context, showing that the Bakken's activity trend is part of a wider industry movement. As operators continue to prioritize financial discipline, the focus in North Dakota remains on drilling the most economically resilient wells within the prolific Bakken and Three Forks formations.