North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 25 Amid Stable Activity

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained at 25 on Friday, July 10, showing no daily change for the second consecutive week, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire.

The data shows no new rigs were added, none were removed, and none moved locations since the previous report. This marks a full week of stability, as the count also stood at 25 on Thursday, July 9, and on the same day one week prior, July 3.

However, the current activity level represents a slight pullback from earlier in the summer. Compared to one month ago on June 10, when 27 rigs were active, the state's drilling fleet has decreased by two units, a decline of approximately 7.4%.

The rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. A stable count suggests operators are maintaining a consistent, though measured, pace of development. The current level of 25 rigs is significantly lower than boom-era highs but reflects a period of focused capital discipline by producers.

The lack of daily or weekly movement indicates a pause in the gradual contraction observed over the past month. Operators typically adjust rig programs based on commodity price signals, operational efficiency goals, and capital allocation plans. The steady count may reflect a wait-and-see approach amid current market conditions.

For royalty owners and service companies, a flat rig count suggests near-term drilling activity and associated work will continue at a predictable rate. The focus for operators on a finite number of rigs often shifts to drilling longer laterals and optimizing completions to maximize the value of each well.

The next significant move in the rig count will signal whether operators are preparing to slightly expand development programs or if further modest reductions are forthcoming. Market watchers will monitor weekly fluctuations for trends in producer confidence and spending within the Williston Basin.