North Dakota Rig Count Climbs to 36, Reaching New 2026 High

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota rose by two on Friday, reaching 36 statewide, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count represents a new high for the year and continues an upward trend observed over the past month.

Two new rigs commenced operations. Phoenix Operating LLC spudded a well using the T&S DRILLING 2 rig at location 160-98-13 in Divide County. In McKenzie County, Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. started drilling with the NABORS B6 rig at 151-102-27. There were no rigs removed from service.

One rig changed location. Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation moved its PATTERSON 808 rig to a new site at 151-102-32, also in McKenzie County.

The current activity level reflects sustained growth in the Bakken formation. The rig count has increased by two compared to one week ago, when 34 rigs were active on August 21. The expansion is more pronounced over the past month, with 10 additional rigs running compared to the 26 active on July 29.

The steady climb in the rig count signals increased capital deployment and operational confidence among Bakken operators. A higher rig count is a leading indicator for future oil production from the Williston Basin, which is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region.

The concentration of activity in core counties like McKenzie, which hosts the majority of the state's drilling, continues. Both of the new rig deployments and the single rig move occurred in the western counties that comprise the heart of the Bakken play.

Industry analysts monitor the rig count as a key metric for the health and direction of the oil and gas sector. The consistent month-over-month growth suggests operators are responding to stable commodity prices and favorable economic conditions for drilling.

The data is tracked daily by Bakken Wire and provides a real-time snapshot of exploration and production activity critical to North Dakota's economy, royalty owners, and service companies.