North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 27 as Devon Idles McKenzie County Rig

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's oil fields fell to 27 on Saturday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count decreased by one rig from the previous day, with no new rigs added and none moving locations.

The sole rig removed from the tally was the NOBLE 2, operated by Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. The rig was previously operating at location 151-100-35 in McKenzie County, the state's core oil-producing region.

The current fleet of 27 rigs represents a decline from the 30 rigs active one week ago, on May 30, 2026. However, drilling activity remains higher than it was a month prior; on May 7, 2026, the state reported 23 active rigs.

The fluctuating rig count occurs as industry and state officials look beyond primary drilling to sustain long-term production from the Bakken formation. According to a recent report from Bing News, state officials argue that as much as 85% of the oil resource in the Bakken remains trapped underground. This significant untapped potential is fueling discussions around enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques as a path to a potential second production boom.

Enhanced recovery methods, which can include injecting gases, chemicals, or water to extract more oil from mature fields, are seen as a strategic focus for extending the life of the prolific Williston Basin. The current drilling activity, while below recent weekly highs, provides the foundational infrastructure for future development and potential implementation of these advanced techniques.

McKenzie County continues to be the focal point for drilling operations in North Dakota, hosting the majority of the state's active rigs. The movement of a single rig, such as Devon Energy's NOBLE 2, is a routine adjustment in field operations and does not necessarily indicate a broader shift in company strategy.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production and service sector activity in the state. The current level suggests a stable but cautious operational tempo among Bakken operators as they balance immediate drilling programs with longer-term planning for resource optimization.