North Dakota Rig Count Steady at 25, Down Six From June

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained unchanged at 25 on Friday, July 3, according to the latest live rig data. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous day's count.

While the daily activity was static, the current count reflects a continuing downward trend in drilling activity across the state's oil fields. The rig count is down one from the 26 rigs reported active one week ago on June 26.

The broader trend shows a more significant decline over the past month. Compared to the 31 rigs operating on June 3, the current fleet of 25 represents a net decrease of six rigs, or approximately a 19% reduction in drilling activity over that 30-day period.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and the rig count is a leading indicator of future production activity. A sustained lower rig count typically points to reduced capital expenditure by operators and can lead to a plateau or decline in oil output several months ahead.

The current level of 25 rigs is near the lower end of the range seen in recent years, as operators continue to prioritize capital discipline and shareholder returns over aggressive production growth. This trend is consistent with broader industry patterns where companies focus on drilling their highest-performing, most economical locations.

With no daily rig movements reported, the focus for Bakken operators remains on efficiency and completing wells on existing pads. The steady count suggests a period of consolidation after the pullback observed throughout June.

The next weekly petroleum production data from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources will provide further context on how the recent drilling activity is translating into actual crude output from the Williston Basin.