North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 24 Amid Extended Stability

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained at 24 on Saturday, July 25, 2026, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since yesterday's report.

This steady figure continues a period of minor contraction in the state's drilling activity. The current rig count of 24 represents a decrease of one rig from one week ago, when 25 rigs were active on July 18, 2026. It is also down one rig from the level seen exactly one month ago on June 25, 2026, which was also 25 active rigs.

The stability in the rig count over the past 24 hours, coupled with the slight decline over recent weeks, suggests operators in the Bakken formation and Williston Basin are maintaining a cautious and consistent capital discipline. The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production in the state, which is the United States' third-largest oil producer.

A rig count in the mid-20s has been a common range for North Dakota in recent years, reflecting a mature shale play where operators focus on efficiency and maximizing returns from existing wells rather than aggressive expansion. The current level is significantly below the historical peaks seen during the boom cycles of the previous decade but aligns with a period of focused, sustainable development.

The lack of day-to-day movement in the rig fleet—with no additions, removals, or relocations reported—indicates no immediate shifts in operator drilling plans across the basin. This consistency allows service companies and local economies in oil-producing counties to forecast activity levels in the near term.

For royalty owners and state tax revenue projections, a stable rig count provides a measure of predictability for future production volumes and associated income. The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and the pace of new well drilling directly influences long-term output.

Market analysts often view a flat-to-slightly-declining rig count as a sign that producers are prioritizing free cash flow and shareholder returns over volume growth, especially in an environment where oil prices may be volatile. The one-rig decline over the past month, while minor, fits within this broader industry trend.