North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 25 with Four New Drilling Rigs

North Dakota's active drilling rig count climbed to 25 on Wednesday, a net increase of four rigs from the previous day with no rigs taken offline, according to live rig data. The increase marks the highest level in at least a month and continues a recent upward trend in basin activity.

Four new rigs were activated by major operators across three core Bakken counties. Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC spudded a new well in McKenzie County using the ENSIGN 532 rig at location 149-100-33. In neighboring Williams County, XTO Energy Inc. deployed the H & P 429 rig at 154-95-7. SOGC, LLC also commenced operations in McKenzie County with the H & P 515 at 147-98-3. Hunt Oil Company added a rig in Burke County, with the NABORS B25 starting at 160-91-35.

One rig changed location within the state. WGO Resources, LLC moved its STONEHAM 16 rig to a new site in Golden Valley County at 140-104-23.

The current count of 25 rigs represents a steady build from recent weeks. Compared to one week ago, on May 13, 2026, the state's rig count has increased by one, from 24 active rigs. The activity level is up significantly from one month prior; on April 20, 2026, there were 21 rigs active, meaning four additional rigs are now working.

The rise in drilling activity coincides with a major industry gathering in the state capital. According to Bing News, thousands of oil and gas professionals are in Bismarck this week for the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, one of the largest industry events in North Dakota. The conference, which kicked off on Tuesday, May 19, typically serves as a forum for discussing market conditions, technology, and operational plans for the region.

The distribution of new rigs underscores the continued focus on the Bakken formation's core areas. McKenzie County, long the most active county for drilling in North Dakota, saw two of the four new rigs. Williams County, another historical center of production, also added a rig. The activation of a rig in Burke County indicates ongoing interest in the northwestern reaches of the Williston Basin.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production in North Dakota, which is the third-largest oil-producing state in the U.S. The Bakken formation is the primary source of that production. An increase in the number of active drilling rigs generally points to anticipated growth in output several months ahead, barring significant changes in well completion activity.