North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 34; Koda Resources Rig Moves in Divide

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 34 on Thursday, September 17, 2026, according to Bakken Wire live data. The total showed no net change from the previous day, with no new rigs added and none released.

The day saw one rig reposition within the state's oil fields. Koda Resources Operating, LLC moved its STONEHAM 16 rig to location 161-101-31 in Divide County, the data shows. No other rig movements were reported.

The current count of 34 active rigs represents a slight decline from one week prior. On September 10, 2026, the state reported 35 active rigs, meaning the count is down by one rig over the past seven days.

Compared to one month ago, however, the drilling activity level is unchanged. The rig count on August 18, 2026, was also 34, indicating a stable plateau in drilling activity over the past 30 days. This stability comes amid ongoing market volatility and operator focus on capital discipline and efficiency.

The Williston Basin, which includes the Bakken and Three Forks formations, relies on consistent drilling to maintain and grow oil production. The current rig count is a key indicator of near-term activity levels and employment for oilfield service companies across the region.

Divide County, where the single rig move occurred, is a core part of the Bakken play in northwestern North Dakota. Operator movement of a single rig is a routine operational adjustment and does not necessarily signal a change in a company's broader activity plans.

The flat month-over-month rig count suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development, balancing production needs with financial returns. Further movements in the rig count will be closely watched as an indicator of industry confidence and future production trends in the nation's third-largest oil-producing state.