North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 as Devon Moves Drilling Rig
The state's active drilling fleet remains unchanged from last week but has increased by nine rigs over the past month.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 36 on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with no net change from the previous day or week. According to live rig data from Bakken Wire, one rig was moved to a new location while no new rigs were added or removed.
The single rig movement involved a unit operated by Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. The rig NABORS B17 was moved to location 151-102-34 in McKenzie County, the core county of the Bakken formation. This movement reflects ongoing development activity by operators to drill new wells.
The current fleet of 36 rigs represents a significant increase from one month prior. According to historical context, the state had 27 active rigs on August 2, 2026, marking a gain of nine rigs over the past four weeks. This growth period contrasts with a broader regional trend reported Tuesday.
According to Rigzone, North America as a whole entered a rig loss streak, dropping five rigs week-on-week in the latest Baker Hughes rotary rig count published September 1. The report indicates the continent-wide downturn occurred as North Dakota's count held firm.
A stable rig count is a key indicator of ongoing capital investment in the Bakken. The current level of activity suggests operators are maintaining drilling programs to offset natural production declines from existing wells. The month-over-month increase from 27 to 36 rigs points to a recent ramp-up in development plans.
McKenzie County continues to be the focal point for drilling, as evidenced by Devon Energy's rig move. The county holds some of the most productive acreage in the Williston Basin. Rig movements within the county are routine as operators complete wells in one location and move equipment to spud new ones.
The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. The number of active rigs directly influences future oil production volumes, with a several-month lag between drilling and first production. The state's rig count is closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and market analysts.
The next significant data point will be the weekly Baker Hughes U.S. rig count, which will provide a national comparison to North Dakota's steady activity. For now, the state's drilling pace shows resilience compared to the broader North American trend of contraction reported this week.
Source
Live rig data from Bakken Wire, historical context from Bakken Wire, related news from Rigzone published September 1, 2026.
