North Dakota Rig Count Falls to 21 as Two Rigs Go Down
The state's active rig count dropped by two on Monday, continuing a slight decline from recent weeks while the broader North American market gained.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota fell to 21 on Monday, May 11, down by two from the previous day, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. No new rigs were added, while two were released and one rig changed location.
Two rigs were released from service in Mountrail County. EOG Resources released the H & P 259 rig from location 158-91-34, and Slawson Exploration Company released the T&S Drilling 2 rig from location 157-91-16.
The sole rig move recorded was by Hess Bakken Investments II, which moved the Nabors x24 rig to a new location in McKenzie County (152-95-11).
The current count of 21 rigs represents a decline from recent activity levels. One week ago, on May 4, 2026, North Dakota reported 23 active rigs. The count is also down by three from the 24 rigs active one month ago on April 11, 2026.
The modest pullback in the Williston Basin contrasts with a broader positive trend in North America. According to a report from Rigzone published Monday, North America added two rigs week-on-week, according to Baker Hughes' latest rotary rig count.
The sustained rig count in the low 20s reflects a period of capital discipline and focused development among Bakken operators. Activity remains concentrated in the core counties of the formation, with both rigs released on Monday coming from Mountrail County and the single rig move targeting a McKenzie County location.
The gradual reduction in the state's rig fleet over the past month comes as operators continue to emphasize efficiency and returns over volume growth. The current level of drilling activity is sufficient to maintain but not significantly grow North Dakota's oil production, which has remained relatively flat in recent months.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone
