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North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 23, Unchanged Over Past Month - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 23, Unchanged Over Past Month

The state's active drilling fleet remains stable, matching its level from late March, as the industry marks historical milestones.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged at 23 on Thursday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The figure showed no day-over-day movement, with no new rigs added, none removed, and none relocated.

The current count represents a decrease of one rig from the 24 active rigs reported one week ago, on April 23, 2026. However, it is identical to the count from 29 days ago on April 1, indicating a period of overall stability for drilling activity in the Williston Basin over the past month.

The steady operational pace comes as the state reflects on major anniversaries for its energy sector. According to a report from the Institute for Energy Research, this year marks the 75th anniversary of North Dakota's first major commercial oil discovery. That well, the Clarence Iverson #1 near Tioga, struck oil on April 4, 1951, and ultimately produced more than 585,000 barrels over its lifetime, launching the state's modern oil industry.

The report also highlights the 20th anniversary of the modern economic benefits unlocked by the Bakken formation. The widespread application of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the 2000s allowed operators to access oil trapped in the Bakken shale, transforming the region's production profile. This technological breakthrough enabled engineers to drill laterally for up to three miles, tapping previously unreachable reserves.

North Dakota's oil production peaked at over 1.5 million barrels per day in late 2019 before a downturn. The current rig activity supports ongoing production from the Bakken and Three Forks formations, which continue to be the primary drivers of the state's output. Infrastructure like the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), completed in 2017, remains critical for transporting this crude to market.

The stability in the rig count suggests operators are maintaining a measured capital expenditure approach. The current level of activity is a fraction of the peak seen during the Bakken boom years but is focused on generating cash flow and maximizing efficiency from core acreage.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data, Institute for Energy Research report published April 29, 2026

rig countdrillingbakkenwilliston basinnorth dakotaoil production

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