Bakken Rig Count Holds at 34, Devon Adds New Drilling Unit

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with one new addition offsetting no departures, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The statewide count remains at 34.

The sole new rig reported was the DEVON ENERGY WILLISTON, L.L.C. rig NABORS B 13, spudding in McKenzie County at location 152-101-23. No rigs were released from service or moved to a new location within the state.

The current activity level represents a slight decline from recent weeks. The rig count is down three units from the 37 rigs active one week prior, on November 7, 2026. Compared to one month ago, the fleet is down by a single rig from the 35 reported on October 15, 2026.

The stability in the rig count, albeit at a lower level than last week, reflects the ongoing precision drilling strategies employed by Bakken operators. Companies continue to focus on drilling longer lateral wells in core areas to maximize capital efficiency and well productivity, rather than aggressively expanding rig fleets.

McKenzie County, where Devon Energy deployed its new rig, remains the epicenter of Bakken drilling activity. It consistently hosts the majority of the state's active rigs due to its high-density resource potential in the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations.

The current rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the state. A count in the mid-30s suggests operators are maintaining a baseline level of development drilling to offset natural production declines from existing wells, but are not in a significant expansion phase.

For royalty owners and service companies, the rig count provides a snapshot of near-term industry activity and capital expenditure trends. The addition of a rig by a major operator like Devon Energy signals continued investment in the basin's most productive acreage.