North Dakota Rig Count Climbs to 37 as Oasis Petroleum Adds Dunn County Rig

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased by one to 37 on Friday, October 23, 2026, according to Bakken Wire live data. The uptick continues a trend of gradual growth in the state's oilfield activity.

The sole new rig reported was the TRUE 40, operated by OASIS PETROLEUM NORTH AMERICA LLC and located at 148-92-28 in Dunn County. There were no rigs removed or moved from their locations over the past day.

The current count of 37 active rigs represents a net increase of two rigs from one week prior, when 35 rigs were active on October 16, 2026. Compared to one month ago, on September 23, 2026, the rig count is up by six rigs, from a base of 31.

This sustained, multi-week increase in drilling activity underscores the ongoing investment by operators in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. The addition of a rig in Dunn County highlights continued development in the core of the play.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production and industry employment in the state. A higher rig count typically signals operator confidence in commodity prices and the economic viability of drilling new wells.

The financial impact of Bakken development extends beyond the oilfield, as highlighted in recent news. According to a report from Bing News published October 23, 2026, wheat farmer John Bartelson of North Dakota began receiving royalty payments from two oil wells on his land. The report stated that the Bakken formation has led to a significant financial shift for farmers in the region, where mineral rights have proven pivotal.

The steady climb in rigs from 31 to 37 over the past month suggests operators are capitalizing on favorable conditions to drill new wells, which will in turn generate future royalty payments for mineral owners like Bartelson. While the rig count remains below historical peaks, the consistent upward movement points to a stable and slowly expanding drilling program across the Williston Basin.