North Dakota Rig Count Steady at 34, Down Three From Last Week

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held at 34 on Sunday, November 15, with no daily changes reported, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The count showed no new rigs added, none removed, and none that moved location since Saturday.

The current fleet size represents a decline from recent activity levels. Compared to one week ago, on November 8, the state has three fewer rigs in operation. The count is also down by one rig from the total of 35 active one month ago, on October 16.

The Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, relies on consistent drilling activity to offset the steep production declines typical of shale wells. The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator of future oil production and industry investment in the Williston Basin.

A stable or declining rig count can reflect operator responses to volatile oil prices, capital discipline mandates from investors, or logistical and supply chain challenges. While the daily figure showed no movement, the weekly decline suggests a modest pullback in drilling operations as the year-end approaches.

The current level of 34 rigs remains sufficient to maintain production but indicates a cautious operational tempo among Bakken operators. For royalty owners and service companies, the trend points to stable but not expanding activity in the near term.

Industry analysts typically monitor these figures alongside well completion rates and frac spread counts to gauge overall health. The recent dip from 37 rigs earlier in November will be watched to see if it marks the start of a longer trend or a short-term adjustment.