North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 33, Down 2 from Last Week

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged at 33 on Sunday, October 11, 2026, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The data showed no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location compared to the previous day.

The current count represents a decrease of two rigs from the total of 35 active one week ago, on October 4. Compared to one month ago, when the state reported 34 active rigs on September 11, the fleet is down by one unit.

The Bakken formation is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and the rig count is a closely watched leading indicator of future production activity and capital expenditure by operators. A stable or declining rig count can signal a period of capital discipline or a response to commodity price volatility.

The recent dip from 35 to 33 rigs over a week suggests a minor pullback in immediate drilling plans among operators in the Williston Basin. The overall count remains within a narrow range observed over the past month, indicating a plateau in activity levels.

For service companies and communities in western North Dakota, the rig count directly impacts employment and economic activity. The current level of 33 rigs is significantly lower than the boom-era peaks but reflects a matured, efficient phase of development in the basin.

Operators continue to focus on drilling longer laterals and employing enhanced completion techniques to maximize recoveries from each well, which can sustain production levels even with a moderated rig count. The steady state reported today suggests no major, sudden shifts in operator strategy.

Bakken Wire will continue to monitor daily rig movements and provide context on trends affecting the region's oil and gas industry.