North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 35, Up 8 From Month Ago

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 35 on Monday, September 7, according to the latest live data. There were no new rigs added, no rigs removed, and no rigs that moved location since the previous day's report.

The current count represents a decrease of one rig from the total of 36 active one week ago, on August 31, 2026. However, the broader trend shows a substantial increase in drilling activity over the past month. The count is up by eight rigs from the 27 rigs reported on August 8, 2026.

The stability in the daily count comes after a period of notable volatility. The one-rig weekly decline follows a significant build over the prior four weeks, suggesting operators may be pausing to evaluate positions after a rapid expansion of activity. The month-over-month gain of eight rigs indicates a renewed focus on development drilling in the Bakken formation and Williston Basin.

Rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the state. A sustained count above 30 rigs is generally necessary to maintain or grow North Dakota's output, which had been facing base decline pressures from older wells. The current level suggests operators are committing capital to new drilling programs.

The increase from the August low likely reflects responses to stabilized oil prices and improved well economics. Operators often adjust their drilling pace based on WTI crude oil futures and operational efficiency gains. The hold at 35 rigs may indicate a new near-term equilibrium for activity as companies execute their third-quarter plans.

For royalty owners and service companies, the month-long increase is a positive signal for continued investment and job creation in the region's oil fields. The day-to-day stability, however, underscores that rig deployments can be fluid and subject to immediate operational decisions by individual producers.

The Bakken formation remains one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States. Monitoring rig activity provides insight into the confidence level of exploration and production companies operating in North Dakota. The next significant move in the count will signal whether the recent build phase has concluded or if further additions are planned for the autumn season.