North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 24 with Two New Additions

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased by two on Thursday, April 23, 2026, bringing the statewide total to 24, according to live Bakken Wire data. This marks a net gain of two rigs from the previous day, with no rigs removed or relocated.

The new activity was driven by two operators. SOGC, LLC spud a well using the NOBLE 2 rig at a location in McKenzie County (Section 3, Township 147N, Range 98W). Separately, Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC began operations with the NABORS X-10 rig in Williams County (Section 22, Township 153N, Range 98W).

The current rig count of 24 represents a continuation of a gradual upward trend in the Bakken formation over recent weeks. The count is up two rigs from the 22 active rigs reported one week ago on April 16, 2026. Compared to 22 days ago on April 1, 2026, when the state had 23 active rigs, the current level shows a net increase of one rig.

The slow but steady climb in rig activity suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development in the Williston Basin. The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and rig count is a key leading indicator of future production. The addition of rigs by both a private operator (SOGC) and a major public producer (Hess) indicates sustained, albeit cautious, investment in new drilling.

The two new rigs are operating in core Bakken counties. McKenzie County has long been the most active county for drilling and production in the state, while Williams County is another central part of the play. The location of new rigs in these established areas highlights the ongoing focus on developing the most productive portions of the formation.

The current level of 24 rigs remains historically low compared to the boom years of the early 2010s but reflects a stabilized operational tempo in the mid-2020s. Operators continue to prioritize capital discipline and efficiency, drilling longer lateral wells to maximize output per rig. The incremental gains in the rig count over the past month suggest a stable commodity price environment is supporting this consistent level of activity.