North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 25 Following Single Deactivation

North Dakota's active drilling rig count stood at 25 on Thursday, July 2, 2026, unchanged from the previous day's total despite a single rig deactivation, according to Bakken Wire live data.

One rig was removed from the state's fleet. Continental Resources, Inc. deactivated the NOBLE 4 rig, which had been operating at 152-93-3 in Mountrail County. No new rigs were added, and no rigs were reported as having moved locations.

The current level of 25 active rigs represents no change from the count reported one week ago, on June 25, 2026. However, the drilling activity benchmark has softened compared to earlier in the summer. The rig count is down four from the 29 rigs recorded just one month ago, on June 2, 2026.

The stability in the weekly count, juxtaposed with the monthly decline, suggests a period of consolidation for operators in the Bakken formation and wider Williston Basin. Rig count is a leading indicator of future oil production, and a sustained lower level can signal a more cautious capital spending approach or a shift towards completing drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs).

Mountrail County, where the Continental rig was removed, is a core area within the Bakken's oil window. Changes in activity there are closely watched as a barometer for operator sentiment towards some of the play's most productive acreage.

The overall count of 25 rigs reflects the ongoing balance between commodity price signals, operational efficiency gains, and corporate drilling budgets. While the weekly hold suggests a near-term floor, the month-over-month drop aligns with a broader trend of disciplined activity seen across major U.S. shale basins.

For royalty owners and service companies, the current rig activity level indicates a steady but moderated pace of new well development. The focus for many operators may continue to lean towards maximizing production from existing wells and high-grading their remaining drilling inventory.