North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 34, XTO Energy Adds New Drilling Rig
The state's active drilling fleet remains unchanged week-over-week but is down by one rig from levels seen a month ago, with a single new rig reported in McKenzie County.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 34 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to live rig data. The state saw the addition of one new rig and zero rigs removed or moved since Wednesday.
The new rig was deployed by operator XTO Energy Inc. The H & P 429 rig is located at 153-96-3 in McKenzie County, the core oil-producing county within the Bakken formation.
Week-over-week, the state's active rig count shows no change, remaining at 34 rigs since October 1. However, the current fleet is down by one rig compared to the level of 35 active rigs reported a month ago on September 8.
The stability in the rig count around the mid-30s reflects a period of measured activity for Bakken producers. Rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the region. The current level, while down slightly from last month, suggests operators are maintaining a consistent, albeit cautious, drilling pace amid prevailing market conditions for crude oil and natural gas.
The concentration of activity in McKenzie County continues, with the latest rig addition there. The county has long been the most active area for drilling in North Dakota due to its high well productivity in the Bakken and Three Forks shale formations.
The flat week-over-week trend, coupled with the slight monthly decline, will be monitored by service companies, royalty owners, and state officials for signs of a shift in operator spending plans. Production levels in the Bakken are sustained through ongoing drilling and well completions, making rig activity a critical metric for the state's oil output and tax revenue.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
