U.S. Energy Information Administration logo
Skip to sub-navigation

Press Room

Media and Public Information Resources

Stay Connected

November 17, 2025 Today in Energy ›

U.S. rig counts remain low as production efficiencies improve ›

The average number of active rigs per month that are drilling for oil and natural gas in the U.S. Lower 48 states has declined steadily over the past few years from a recent peak of 750 rigs in December 2022 to 517 rigs this October. The declining rig count reflects operators’ responses to declining crude oil and natural gas prices and improvements in drilling efficiencies. More

U.S. lower 48 oil and gas rig count

Data source: Baker Hughes Company


Resources

Basics & Background