North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 35 as Operators Adjust Positions

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation remained unchanged at 35 on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as new additions offset releases elsewhere. Two rigs were added, two were released, and two others were moved to new locations within the state, according to live rig data.

The net stability masks a day of significant repositioning among operators. In Divide County, Koda Resources Operating, LLC, spud the Stoneham 17 well, and Phoenix Operating LLC commenced drilling the T&S Drilling 2 well. Concurrently, two rigs were released: Berenergy Corporation's Pronghorn 7 rig in Renville County and XTO Energy Inc.'s H & P 429 rig in Williams County.

Two rigs also moved within the prolific Williams County area. XTO Energy Inc. moved its H & P 640 rig to a new location, and Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC, relocated its Nabors X27 rig, the data shows.

The current count of 35 rigs represents a slight decrease from one week prior, when 36 rigs were active on September 1. However, activity remains significantly higher than levels seen a month ago, with 27 rigs active on August 9, marking an increase of eight rigs over the past month.

The local activity in the Bakken contrasts with a broader North American trend. According to a report from Rigzone published Tuesday, North America lost seven rigs week-on-week, marking the third consecutive weekly decline in the continent-wide rotary rig count.

The day's rig moves highlight continued operator focus on the Bakken's core areas, particularly Williams County, while also showing investment in other parts of the basin like Divide County. The stability in the overall count suggests operators are maintaining disciplined capital programs while optimizing rig placement for future production.