North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 27 Amid Multi-Month Uplift

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held at 27 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, unchanged from the previous day, according to live data from Bakken Wire. No new rigs were added, none were released, and no rigs were reported as having moved locations.

The current count reflects a sustained period of modest growth in drilling activity across the Bakken formation. Compared to one week ago, on May 20, 2026, the rig count is up by two units. The longer-term trend shows a more significant increase, with four more rigs active now than were operating one month ago on April 27, 2026.

A stable or gently rising rig count is a key indicator of operator confidence and capital expenditure in the basin. The current level of 27 rigs suggests a measured pace of development, focused on core acreage and high-productivity wells. Each active rig represents ongoing work for oilfield service companies and a precursor to future oil and natural gas production.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and rig activity is closely watched by royalty owners, local economies, and state revenue forecasters. The rig count's climb from 23 to 27 over the past month indicates that operators are continuing to execute drilling programs, though at a pace far below the boom-era highs seen in the previous decade.

While the day-over-day figure showed no movement, the weekly and monthly comparisons point to a gradual firming of activity. This trend can be influenced by a variety of factors, including crude oil price stability, well economics, and individual company budgets. The lack of daily churn—with no rigs moving or being released—often signals a period of steady operation without major adjustments to current plans.

For service providers and communities in the Williston Basin, a stable rig fleet provides predictability for labor and supply chains. The incremental gains over recent weeks, if sustained, could translate into a slight uptick in completion activity and production in the coming months, as newly drilled wells are hydraulically fractured and brought online.