North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 34, Up Two from August

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's oil fields held steady at 34 on Monday, September 14, 2026, according to live data tracked by Bakken Wire. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous report.

The current count represents a one-rig decrease from the 35 rigs active one week ago on September 7. However, compared to one month ago on August 15, the state's rig fleet has grown by two units from a base of 32.

The stability in North Dakota contrasts with a slight uptick in the national rig count last week. According to a Baker Hughes survey reported by Bing News on September 11, the number of oil and gas rigs actively drilling across the United States rose by three to a total of 591.

The Bakken formation in western North Dakota remains the state's primary oil-producing region, and rig activity is a closely watched leading indicator of future production. The current level of 34 active rigs suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development drilling.

Rig counts can fluctuate based on commodity prices, operator budgets, supply chain conditions for drilling equipment and crews, and the availability of drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs) ready for fracturing. The modest monthly increase from August to September could reflect minor adjustments to drilling programs by Bakken operators.

The lack of day-to-day movement in the rig count is not uncommon and often indicates a period of equilibrium where rig contracts are stable, with no planned additions or releases in the immediate term. Each active rig typically represents a well being drilled, which will later be completed and brought online, adding to the basin's oil and natural gas output.

As the third quarter of 2026 progresses, market watchers will monitor whether the state's rig count stabilizes in the mid-30s or sees further adjustments. The count remains a key metric for service companies, mineral rights owners, and local economies in the Williston Basin, which are directly tied to the pace of drilling activity.