North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 for Second Straight Week

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 36 on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, according to Bakken Wire live data. The count showed no day-over-day change, with no new rigs added, none removed, and none relocated.

This marks the second consecutive week of stability, as the rig count also stood at 36 on August 25. The current level represents a significant increase from activity seen just one month prior. On August 2, 2026, the state reported only 27 active rigs, meaning the count has risen by nine rigs over the past month.

The sustained rig count near 40 reflects a period of measured activity for Bakken operators. After a sharp uptick in early August, drillers have paused further expansion, focusing on executing existing drilling programs. The stability suggests operators are balancing capital discipline with efforts to maintain production levels in the core areas of the Williston Basin.

A rig count in the mid-30s is consistent with the level needed to sustain current oil production from the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. Operators typically use rig counts as a leading indicator of future production, as new wells take several months to drill, complete, and bring online.

The lack of rig movement—either new additions or relocations—indicates a temporary equilibrium in the field. Major operators have likely set their drilling schedules for the current quarter, with crews working on permitted locations. The focus often shifts during stable periods to optimizing completion designs and improving well productivity to maximize returns from each drilling slot.

The nine-rig increase over the past month highlights a period of renewed investment confidence earlier in the summer, potentially tied to stable oil prices or specific operator budgets being deployed. However, the subsequent week of no growth suggests that surge has leveled off for now. Market watchers will monitor upcoming quarterly earnings reports and guidance from major Bakken producers for signals on whether this plateau will continue or if another uptick in activity is planned for the fall.

For mineral rights owners and service companies, a steady rig count provides predictability. Royalty income streams are supported by consistent development, while service sector activity remains stable without the volatility of rapid increases or decreases in drilling.