North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 26, Flat Week-over-Week

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 26 on Tuesday, July 14, according to live data from Bakken Wire. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved locations since the prior day's report.

The current count represents a slight increase of two rigs compared to one week ago, when 24 rigs were active on July 7. However, the tally is identical to the count from exactly one month ago on June 14, indicating a period of relative stability in drilling activity over the medium term.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and the rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future production and operator investment. A stable count around the mid-20s suggests operators are maintaining a consistent, though historically moderate, pace of development drilling.

Following the industry downturn earlier in the decade, rig activity in the state has operated at a fraction of the peak levels seen in the early 2010s, when counts regularly exceeded 200. The current activity level reflects a continued industry focus on capital discipline, efficiency gains, and developing high-graded inventory.

With no day-to-day movement reported, the focus shifts to which operators are running rigs and in which counties. Major Bakken operators typically account for the majority of active rigs, with activity concentrated in core counties like McKenzie, Dunn, Mountrail, and Williams.

A steady rig count, if sustained, supports steady to slightly growing oil production from the state, as newer, more efficient wells offset natural declines from legacy production. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources will report official production data for May 2026 later this month.

Market conditions, including crude oil prices and differentials for Bakken crude, remain the primary drivers for any future shifts in the rig count. Operators' capital expenditure plans for the second half of 2026 will also dictate whether the current level of activity holds, increases, or declines.