Sept 22, 2025
The U.S. drilling market is showing signs of resilience, stringing together three consecutive weeks of growth in the rig count. After modest gains of one and two rigs in prior weeks, the national count added three more last week, bringing the total to 542 active rigs. While activity remains well below year-ago levels, the steady upward momentum highlights a slow but encouraging rebound in drilling across key regions.
Here’s a structured summary and analysis of the latest U.S. rig activity based on the Baker Hughes data and broader market context:
U.S. Rig Count: Slow but Steady Growth
- Oil rigs: up 2 to 418
- Gas rigs: flat at 118
- Miscellaneous rigs: up 1 to 6
- Offshore rigs: steady at 13
Despite these recent gains, the U.S. total remains 46 rigs lower than last year, reflecting a loss of 70 oil rigs partially offset by a 22-rig gain in gas rigs.
Regional Highlights
- Texas: down 2 to 242 rigs
- New Mexico: steady at 94 rigs
- North Dakota: steady at 27 rigs
- Louisiana: down 1 to 36 rigs
- Oklahoma: flat at 42 rigs
Other states saw slight improvements:
- Kansas: +1 to 16 rigs
- Colorado: +2 to 16 rigs
- Wyoming: +2 to 15 rigs
- Utah: steady at 10 rigs
- Alaska: steady at 9 rigs
- California: steady at 7 rigs
Appalachian Basin Update
The Appalachian Basin rig count held steady:
- Pennsylvania: 18 rigs
- Ohio (Utica): 12 rigs
- West Virginia: 7 rigs
That left the combined basin at 37 rigs for the second straight week, with 24 rigs targeting the Marcellus and 13 rigs targeting the Utica. Ohio added one rig two weeks ago and held it steady last week.
Takeaway
The U.S. drilling market continues to “eek out” progress, stringing together modest week-over-week increases. Gains remain uneven—Texas is slipping while Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming are seeing growth. Gas rigs continue to provide stability, while oil rigs drive incremental weekly gains.
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