North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 23 Amid Multi-Week Decline

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained at 23 on Sunday, July 26, 2026, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The count showed no day-over-day movement, with no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs relocating since yesterday.

However, the steady daily figure masks a broader, gradual decline in drilling activity over recent weeks. Compared to one week ago, on July 19, the rig count has fallen by two, from 25. The decline is more pronounced when viewed on a monthly basis; the current count of 23 is down three rigs from the 26 active rigs reported on June 26.

A rig count in the low-to-mid 20s represents a period of stable but muted activity for the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. The count is a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production and capital investment by operators in the Williston Basin.

The multi-week downtrend suggests a cautious approach by exploration and production companies. Operators may be responding to a variety of factors, including commodity price volatility, capital discipline, or seasonal adjustments in drilling programs. A lower rig count typically points to a flattening or future decline in the state's oil output if the trend persists.

The stability in the daily count indicates that no major rigs were released or activated over the weekend, a common pattern. Drilling contractors and service companies working in the basin are operating at this reduced pace compared to earlier in the year.

For royalty owners and local economies in western North Dakota, the rig count is a barometer of oilfield activity and associated jobs. The current level suggests a continuation of recent activity, but the sequential declines could signal a tightening of spending in the sector if the trend continues into August.

Market analysts often correlate rig activity with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices and operator cash flow. While specific price data isn't provided in this report, the rig count trend often reflects the industry's response to the prevailing economic environment for drilling new wells.