ND Rig Count Holds at 23 Amid Sustained Activity Lull
The Bakken's drilling activity remains unchanged from last week but is down two rigs from levels seen a month ago.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 23 on Thursday, May 7, 2026, according to the latest live data from Bakken Wire. There was no day-over-day change, with no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs moving locations.
This marks a full week of stability, as the state's rig count also stood at 23 on April 30. However, the current level represents a slight pullback from activity seen earlier in the spring. The rig count is down by two from the 25 active rigs reported on April 7.
A rig count in the low-to-mid 20s has become typical for the Bakken formation in recent years, reflecting a mature phase of development where operators focus on capital discipline and efficiency. The current plateau suggests that drilling programs are proceeding as planned without significant near-term adjustments from major operators.
The steady count indicates that service companies and drilling contractors are experiencing predictable demand. For mineral rights owners and counties reliant on oil extraction taxes, sustained drilling activity, even at moderated levels, supports continued royalty payments and local revenue.
Analysts often view the rig count as a leading indicator for future oil production. A stable rig count over several weeks suggests that North Dakota's crude output should remain relatively consistent in the coming months, barring significant changes in completion activity or well productivity.
The broader Williston Basin, which includes parts of Montana and South Dakota, typically sees its activity trends mirrored by North Dakota's rig count, as the state contains the vast majority of the basin's productive acreage. The current stability may reflect a cautious approach by operators amid ongoing commodity price volatility and evolving federal energy policies.
While down from the 25 rigs active a month ago, the current level of drilling sustains a significant industrial base in western North Dakota, supporting jobs and supply chain businesses across the region.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
