North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 26 for Second Consecutive Week
State's active drilling fleet shows stability, remaining one rig above the level seen one month ago.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged at 26 for the Saturday, June 20, 2026, reporting period, according to live data from Bakken Wire. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous day's report.
The current count represents a period of stability in the state's drilling activity. The rig count has now held steady at 26 for an entire week, matching the total reported on June 13, 2026.
Compared to levels from one month prior, activity shows a slight increase. On May 21, 2026, the state reported 25 active rigs, meaning the current fleet is one rig larger.
The rig count is a closely watched 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 pace of new well development. The current level of activity, while modest compared to historical peaks, reflects a focus on capital discipline and efficiency among producers.
The lack of day-to-day movement in rigs—with no additions, subtractions, or relocations—indicates a settled operational tempo across the Williston Basin. This consistency allows service companies and local communities to forecast activity and manage resources.
Analysts often view sustained rig counts as a signal of operator confidence in the prevailing commodity price environment and the economic viability of drilling in the Bakken's core areas. The current stability at 26 rigs follows a small increase observed over the past month.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data and historical context.
