North Dakota Rig Count Holds Steady at 35

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged at 35 for the reporting period ending Monday, October 5, 2026, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. The total showed no movement from the previous day, with zero new rigs added, zero removed, and none relocated.

The current figure represents a slight increase from the activity level seen one week ago. On September 28, 2026, the state reported 32 active rigs, meaning the count has risen by three rigs over the past seven days.

When viewed over a longer period, the data reveals a plateau in drilling activity. The current rig count of 35 is identical to the count reported one month ago, on September 5, 2026, indicating no net change over the past four weeks.

Rig count is a primary leading indicator for future oil production in the Bakken formation, North Dakota's premier oil-producing region. A stable count suggests operators are maintaining, but not aggressively expanding, their drilling programs amid current market conditions for crude oil and natural gas.

The consistency at 35 rigs comes after a period of modest growth earlier in the month. The increase from 32 to 35 rigs within the last week may reflect the conclusion of some seasonal maintenance or the activation of permits for specific high-graded drilling locations.

For Bakken operators, a steady rig count typically translates into predictable service sector demand and a stable pace of new well additions to the production inventory. For mineral rights owners, it suggests royalty streams from new wells will continue at a consistent, though not accelerated, pace.

The broader Williston Basin, which encompasses the Bakken, often sees its operational tempo reflected in North Dakota's rig numbers. The current level of activity is a key metric for gauging oilfield service company health, housing demand in the region's core counties, and overall investment sentiment.

Market analysts closely watch these figures as they correlate with capital expenditure budgets set by exploration and production companies. The month-over-month stability could signal a period of cautious capital allocation as companies await clearer price signals or evaluate the results of recently completed wells.

The next weekly data point will show whether this period of stability extends or if operators make more pronounced adjustments to their drilling schedules. Historically, rig counts can be volatile on a week-to-week basis, making the one-month consistency notable.