North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 27 as National Activity Climbs

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 27 on Wednesday, June 10, according to Bakken Wire's live data. The count showed no day-over-day change, with no new rigs added, none removed, and none moving location.

The current figure represents a significant increase from one month ago. On May 11, 2026, the state had 21 active rigs, meaning activity has climbed by six rigs over the past four weeks. However, the count is down from the level seen just last week. On June 3, 2026, North Dakota reported 31 active rigs, indicating a net decrease of four rigs over the past seven days.

The mixed local trend comes as drilling activity across North America continues to rise. According to a report from Rigzone, North America added eight rigs week on week, according to Baker Hughes' latest North America rotary rig count. The broader increase suggests sustained operator interest in onshore oil and gas development despite fluctuations in individual basins like the Bakken.

The Bakken formation in western North Dakota is the state's primary oil-producing region. The number of active drilling rigs is a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production and industry employment in the Williston Basin. A rig count in the mid-to-high 20s reflects a stable, moderate level of investment from exploration and production companies operating in the state.

Rig counts can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including commodity price volatility, seasonal weather impacts on operations, individual company capital expenditure cycles, and crew or equipment availability. The recent month-over-month gain aligns with a period of relatively stable oil prices, which have supported continued development drilling by Bakken operators focused on core acreage.

For royalty owners and service companies in North Dakota, the rig count provides a snapshot of near-term industry activity. The current level suggests a consistent, though not expanding, pace of new well development. The weekly and monthly comparisons highlight the dynamic nature of drilling campaigns, where counts can rise or fall by several units over short periods even within a broader stable trend.

The North American rig count increase reported by Baker Hughes and cited by Rigzone indicates that the overall onshore drilling environment remains active. This provides a supportive backdrop for the Bakken, even as its specific count experiences normal weekly volatility. Market participants will watch for whether the recent monthly gains in North Dakota can be sustained or if the count consolidates near current levels.