North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 35 as Hunt Oil Adds Drilling Rig
The state's active drilling fleet increased by one rig overnight, holding steady with levels seen a month ago.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count rose to 35 on Saturday, October 3, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The total reflects an increase of one rig since Friday's count, with no rigs removed or moved to new locations.
The sole addition was the HUNT OIL COMPANY: T&S DRILLING 1 rig, located at 159-90-33 in Burke County. This marks a return to the 35-rig level last recorded one month ago on September 3, 2026.
The current activity represents a significant increase from the recent low point of 29 active rigs recorded just one week ago on September 26, 2026. The six-rig gain over the past seven days suggests a potential rebound in operator drilling programs as the fourth quarter begins.
Rig count is a key leading indicator of future oil production in the Bakken formation and Williston Basin. The count has been volatile in recent months, reflecting operator responses to fluctuating crude oil prices, well economics, and takeaway capacity.
The stability at the 35-rig level, after a sharp dip and recovery, may indicate a near-term equilibrium for drilling activity in the state. Operators continue to focus on core, high-productivity acreage, with rigs concentrated in counties like McKenzie, Williams, and Mountrail.
The addition by Hunt Oil Company in Burke County, located in the northwestern portion of the play, shows ongoing, targeted development across the basin. Each active rig typically supports hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and leads to new well completions months later.
Market analysts closely watch the weekly and monthly rig trends to forecast North Dakota's oil output. The state remains the nation's second-largest oil producer, behind only Texas.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data
