North Dakota Rig Count Steady at 24, Up Five from April

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 24 on Friday, May 15, 2026, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. There was no day-over-day change, with no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and none moving location.

The current count represents a modest increase from levels seen just one week ago. On May 8, 2026, the state reported 23 active rigs, meaning the count has risen by one rig over the past seven days.

The more significant trend, however, is the recovery from a lower base this spring. Compared to one month ago, drilling activity has increased by five rigs. On April 15, 2026, the active rig count stood at 19.

A rig count of 24 places North Dakota's drilling activity well above the troughs experienced in recent years but still far below the boom-era peaks that exceeded 200 rigs. The current level suggests a continued focus on capital discipline among operators, with drilling concentrated on the most productive acreage within the Bakken formation and Williston Basin.

The stability in the rig count often correlates with steady production levels, as new wells are drilled to offset natural decline from existing wells. North Dakota's oil output has historically followed rig count trends, though with a lag as new wells are completed and brought online.

For Bakken operators, a stable rig count environment allows for predictable planning and execution of drilling programs. For service companies and the local economy, it supports a baseline level of activity in the oilfields.

The rig count is a key leading indicator for the health of the state's oil and gas sector, which remains North Dakota's primary economic driver. Royalty owners and county governments monitor the figure as a gauge of future production and tax revenue.