North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 32 as Hess Swaps Rigs, Continental Region Gains

North Dakota's active drilling rig count fell to 32 on Friday, September 18, 2026, down by one rig from the previous day, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The daily change resulted from two rigs being released and one new rig being deployed.

Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC was at the center of the day's activity, according to the data. The operator released the NABORS X27 rig but simultaneously deployed a new rig, the NABORS X20, at the same location in Williams County (156-98-3). Phoenix Operating LLC released the PATTERSON 280 rig from a location in Divide County. The only rig move reported was by Iron Oil Operating, LLC, which moved the NABORS B 12 rig to a new location in Mountrail County (154-89-34).

The current count of 32 rigs represents a slight decline in the state's drilling activity over recent weeks. One week ago, on September 11, 2026, the active rig count stood at 34, and one month ago, on August 19, 2026, it was 33.

This daily state-level movement contrasts with broader weekly trends reported in the continental United States. According to a September 17 report from Baker Hughes via Bing News, the overall U.S. rig count increased by 4 units for the week ended September 18, reaching 595. That same report noted that North Dakota added 3 rigs week-over-week, ending with 31 active units. The live data from Friday indicates the state's count has since risen slightly to 32, but remains below the levels seen earlier in the month.

The Baker Hughes report highlighted that New Mexico and North Dakota were among the leading gainers for the week, each adding 3 rigs. Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado each saw small declines. The data shows a continued concentration of drilling activity in major oil-producing regions like the Permian Basin and the Bakken.

For operators and service companies in the Williston Basin, the rig count remains a key indicator of near-term drilling and completion activity. The current level, while down from recent weeks, continues to support a steady pace of development in North Dakota's primary oil-producing formation.