North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 Amid Steady Drilling Pace

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 36 on Saturday, October 31, 2026, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count showed no daily movement, with no new rigs added, none removed, and none changing location since the previous day.

The current activity level represents a slight decline from one week prior, when the state reported 37 active rigs on October 24. However, the broader trend shows a modest increase in drilling activity over the past month. Compared to the 34 rigs operating on October 1, the current count is up by two.

The stability in the rig count suggests operators in the Bakken formation and Williston Basin are maintaining a consistent, measured pace of development. Rig counts are a leading indicator of future oil production, as each active drilling rig represents capital investment and the initiation of new wells that will eventually contribute to the state's output.

The current level of 36 rigs is indicative of the cautious, capital-disciplined environment that has characterized the U.S. shale industry in recent years. Operators are focusing on generating free cash flow and returning capital to shareholders, rather than pursuing aggressive production growth at all costs. This approach often leads to stable or moderately growing rig counts, as seen in the month-over-month increase.

For royalty owners and service companies in North Dakota, a stable rig count provides predictability for local economies and landowner payments. The concentration of these rigs is typically in the core counties of the Bakken, such as McKenzie, Mountrail, Dunn, and Williams, where the most productive geology is found.

The lack of daily rig movement reported today underscores the methodical nature of modern shale development. Drilling programs are planned months in advance, and rigs are often under long-term contracts, leading to fewer day-to-day fluctuations. The weekly and monthly comparisons provide a more meaningful view of the activity trend.

The North Dakota rig count remains a critical metric for gauging the health of the state's primary economic engine. While down one unit from last week, the two-rig gain over the last month points to sustained, incremental investment in the basin.