North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 25; Silver Hill Rig Moves in Williams County
The state's active drilling rig total is unchanged from yesterday but down four from a month ago, reflecting a continued gradual decline in activity.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 25 on Wednesday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. No new rigs were added and none were released over the past 24 hours, though one rig changed location.
The sole rig move reported was by Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC. Its NABORS B27 rig was moved to a new location in Williams County, specifically 157-97-35.
The current count of 25 rigs represents a decline from recent historical levels. One week ago, on June 24, 2026, the state reported 27 active rigs, meaning the count has dropped by two rigs over the past seven days. The decline is more pronounced over a longer period; one month ago, on June 1, 2026, the active rig count stood at 29, indicating a net decrease of four rigs over the last 30 days.
The Bakken formation, located within the Williston Basin, is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Drilling rig activity is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production, as it reflects the level of capital investment and operational focus by exploration and production companies.
A sustained rig count in the mid-20s suggests a period of disciplined capital spending and focused development for operators in the state. Companies are likely concentrating on drilling their highest-return acreage and optimizing completion techniques on multi-well pads to maintain production efficiency.
The movement of the Silver Hill Energy rig within Williams County, a core county for Bakken production, is indicative of ongoing development and infill drilling within established fields. Such moves allow operators to efficiently develop their leaseholds without requiring additional rigs.
The gradual downward trend from 29 to 25 rigs over the past month aligns with broader industry patterns that often see adjustments based on commodity price fluctuations, seasonal factors, and corporate budget cycles. The stability over the last day, however, indicates no sudden shift in operator plans.
Bakken Wire will continue to monitor daily rig movements and provide updates on drilling activity trends affecting North Dakota's oil and gas sector.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
