North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 36, Silver Hill Adds Drilling Rig

North Dakota's active drilling rig count increased to 36 on Saturday, October 17, 2026, according to live data from Bakken Wire. One new rig began operations, with no rigs removed or moved locations in the last 24 hours.

The new activity came from Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC, which deployed the NABORS B27 rig to a location in Burke County (Section 20, Township 159N, Range 93W).

The current count of 36 rigs represents a net increase of three rigs from one week ago, when the state reported 33 active rigs on October 10. Compared to one month ago on September 17, when the count was also 33 rigs, activity has risen by three rigs.

The Bakken formation, spanning western North Dakota, is the state's primary oil-producing region. Rig counts are a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production and drilling activity. An increase in the rig count suggests operators are allocating more capital to drilling new wells.

The steady climb over the past month indicates a sustained, though measured, commitment to development in the Williston Basin. Operators may be responding to stable or favorable oil prices, efficient drilling economics in core Bakken areas, or the need to maintain production profiles.

Burke County, where the new Silver Hill rig is located, is part of the northwestern extension of the Bakken play. Activity in this area can be influenced by well performance and infrastructure availability.

The overall rig count remains a key metric for service companies, royalty owners, and local economies in oil-producing counties. More rigs typically translate to increased jobs for roughnecks, truckers, and other oilfield service personnel.

The trend will be monitored to see if the incremental gains continue in the coming weeks, which would signal stronger industry confidence. Any significant moves in commodity prices or changes in operator spending plans could influence the direction of the count.