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BAKKEN WIRE
Bakken Rig Count Holds Steady at 39, Up 7 from September - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Holds Steady at 39, Up 7 from September

North Dakota's active drilling rigs remained unchanged from Tuesday, continuing a multi-week uptrend in the Williston Basin.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held at 39 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with no net change from the previous day, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The state's rig activity has risen significantly from levels seen earlier in the fall.

One rig was reported to have moved locations, while no new rigs were added and none were removed. The sole move involved Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation relocating its PATTERSON 808 rig in McKenzie County.

The stable daily count follows a period of steady growth. Compared to one week ago, on October 21, the active rig count is up by two, from 37. The increase is more pronounced over the past month, with seven more rigs running than on September 28, when the count stood at 32.

The current level of 39 active rigs represents sustained investment by operators in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Rig count is a key leading indicator of future oil production and industry activity, closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and state officials.

The continued upward trend over the past month suggests operators are maintaining or modestly expanding drilling programs amid current commodity prices and operational efficiencies. The concentration of activity, highlighted by the rig move in McKenzie County, remains focused on the core counties of the Williston Basin.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data

rig countdrillingnorth dakotabakkenwhiting oil and gasmckenzie countywilliston basin

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