North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 32 with One New Rig, One Removed
The state's active drilling rig total was unchanged Tuesday as activity shifted between Divide and McKenzie counties.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained at 32 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The figure reflects a net change of zero after one new rig started operations and one was released.
The sole new rig reported was the NABORS B23, operated by FORMENTERA OPERATIONS, LLC in Divide County. The rig is located at 161-97-16. The only rig removed from the count was HESS BAKKEN INVESTMENTS II, LLC's NABORS x24, which was previously operating at a McKenzie County location (149-100-33). No rigs were reported as having moved location.
The current count of 32 active rigs represents a slight decline from recent levels. Compared to one week ago, on September 15, 2026, the rig count is down by one. The total is also down by two rigs from the count of 34 active on August 23, 2026, one month prior.
The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and rig activity is a closely watched leading indicator for future production. The consistent rig count in the low 30s reflects a period of capital discipline and stable development planning among operators in the Williston Basin.
The day's activity highlights the ongoing role of both large operators and smaller, private companies in the basin. Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC, a major player, released a rig in the core McKenzie County area. Meanwhile, Formentera Operations, LLC added a rig in Divide County, which is located in the northwestern portion of the state's oil patch.
While the overall count was steady, the specific movements can indicate shifts in operator focus, the completion of drilling programs on specific pads, or routine fleet management. The data does not specify whether the removed Hess rig has finished drilling or is being relocated outside the state.
The rig count is a key metric for service companies, local economies, and state revenue forecasts. A stable count suggests a maintained level of employment and demand for drilling, completion, and related oilfield services across western North Dakota.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
