Bakken Rig Count Rises to 33 with Three New Rigs

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased by three on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to reach a total of 33. According to live rig data, no rigs were removed or moved location, resulting in a net gain of three new rigs since yesterday.

The new activity was spread across three counties in the Bakken formation. Koda Resources Operating, LLC spudded the STONEHAM 17 well in Divide County. Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. added two rigs, one for the NOBLE 4 well in Dunn County and another for the NABORS B 13 well in McKenzie County.

The current rig count of 33 represents an increase of two rigs compared to one week ago, when the state reported 31 active rigs on September 23. However, drilling activity remains below the level seen a month ago. The count is down by three rigs from the 36 active rigs reported on August 31.

The rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Increases in the count typically signal operator confidence and precede a rise in well completions and crude output several months later. Conversely, a declining trend can foreshadow a production plateau or decline.

The day's additions by Devon Energy highlight continued investment by major operators in core Bakken counties like McKenzie and Dunn. Koda Resources' activity in Divide County reflects ongoing development in the northwestern extension of the play.

The current level of 33 rigs is closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and local economies across western North Dakota, as drilling activity directly impacts employment and spending in the oilfield supply chain.