U.S. Rig Count Rises to 539 — Second Weekly Gain in 2025 – Baker Hughes

Sept 15, 2025

The U.S. oil and gas rig count inched higher last week, marking the second consecutive weekly gain—a rare streak in 2025. According to the latest Baker Hughes data, the total rig count climbed to 539 active rigs, up two from the prior week. While the national count remains well below year-ago levels, recent gains in key shale regions such as the Eagle Ford, Appalachia, and New Mexico suggest a modest rebound in drilling activity. Notably, the Marcellus/Utica rig count hit its highest level since May, adding momentum to the natural gas side of the ledger.

Here’s a structured summary and analysis of the latest U.S. rig activity based on the Baker Hughes data and broader market context:

📊 National Rig Count

Total rigs: 539 (+2 vs. prior week)
Oil rigs: 416 (+2)
Gas rigs: 118 (unchanged)
Miscellaneous: 5 (unchanged)
Offshore: 13 (unchanged)

Year-over-year:

Total rigs: down 51 (590 → 539)
Oil rigs: down 72
Gas rigs: up 21
Miscellaneous: unchanged

🏞️ Basin-Level Highlights

Eagle Ford: +2
Appalachia: +1 (includes Utica in Ohio adding a rig, first since July 25)
Anadarko: -1

🌎 State-Level Highlights

Texas: +1 → 244 total
New Mexico: +1 → 94 total
Oklahoma: 42 (unchanged)
North Dakota: 27 (unchanged)
Louisiana: 37 (unchanged)
Kansas: -3 → 15 total
Colorado: 12 (unchanged)
Alaska: 9 (unchanged)
California: 7 (unchanged)
Ohio: +1 → 12 total
Pennsylvania: 18 (unchanged)
Utah: 10 (unchanged)
West Virginia: 7 (unchanged)
Wyoming: 13 (unchanged)

⛽ Regional Trends

The Marcellus/Utica combined count rose to 37 rigs, the highest since May 23, 2025.
This marks two consecutive weeks of gains nationally, a streak not seen since April 2025.
Despite recent week-over-week growth, the 90-day trend is still negative (down 16 rigs).

✅ Key Takeaway:
The U.S. rig count ticked up for the second week in a row, signaling some momentum after months of decline. Gains were concentrated in the Eagle Ford, Appalachia, and New Mexico, while Kansas and the Anadarko Basin saw declines. Year-over-year, the market remains significantly lower, with oil rigs leading the drop, partially offset by strength in gas-directed rigs.