North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 for Second Straight Week
The Bakken's active drilling fleet remains unchanged from a week ago but is up four rigs from a month prior as state officials push new production research.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 36 for the second consecutive week, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. There was no day-over-day change on Monday, October 19, with no new rigs added, removed, or moved from the previous day.
The current fleet represents an increase of four rigs compared to the count of 32 active one month ago on September 19, 2026. The stability at the 36-rig level follows a period of gradual growth over the past month.
The steady rig activity comes as state officials and industry leaders are advancing efforts to bolster long-term Bakken production. According to a summary from Bing News, a coalition of oil industry leaders, state officials, and a U.S. senator are rallying support for the next stage of an oil field research project. The initiative, reported on October 16, could have a significant impact on North Dakota’s production outlook.
Rig count is a primary leading indicator for future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's premier oil-producing region. The current level of activity suggests operators are maintaining a consistent, measured pace of development. The month-over-month increase aligns with a broader focus on optimizing output from existing wells and formations.
The stability in the rig fleet may reflect a balanced response by operators to current oil prices and operational efficiencies. With no rigs moving locations reported, drilling programs appear focused on planned development areas.
The push for new research highlighted by state officials aims to unlock further production potential, which could influence future drilling activity and rig demand. The sustained activity level provides a stable base for the industry as these longer-term strategies are developed.
The Williston Basin, which contains the Bakken and Three Forks formations, remains a key source of U.S. light sweet crude. The rig count is closely watched by service companies, royalty owners, and local economies across western North Dakota.
Bakken Wire will continue to monitor daily rig movements and provide updates on any changes to the active fleet.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data, historical context data, Bing News summary from October 16, 2026.
