In a time of true crisis, like the coronavirus pandemic, we find out who are the real heroes and absolute essential workers among us. They are, first and foremost, health care workers — many of whom are nurses.
There are 2.98 million registered nurses in the U.S., comprising about 2% of the workforce. The U.S. is breaking hospitalizations records due to COVID-19 and coronavirus-related nursing shortages have hit hospitals nationwide. The nurse-to-patient ratio went from its recommended 1:1 to 1:4.
24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics program to identify the metropolitan areas with the most (and fewest) nurses per capita in the United States.
More nurses were needed as COVID-19 began spreading in the United States. Those who were already taking care of the sick faced a much higher risk of contracting the virus and becoming quarantined. There was an unprecedented demand for “travel nurses,” or nurses from other states, according to NurseFly, a temporary health care staffing platform.
Positions in intensive care units and emergency rooms had opened all over the country. Some of the biggest spikes in demand were in the states with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases — these are the places in every state where the coronavirus is spreading the fastest right now.
The adequate nurse-to-patient ratio has always been a much debated topic. Some states have a legally defined minimum nurse-to-patient ratio, and now more than ever, it is clear why. Due to staffing shortage, nurses in some hospitals’ intensive care units are caring for five patients at a time — more than twice the normal workload. Some cities, with considerably larger health care workforces, seem to have been better prepared to fight the outbreak.
Nationwide, there are about nine registered nurses per 1,000 people. In the 25 metro areas with the fewest nurses per capita, there are no more than 5.4 nurses per 1,000 people. In cities at the bottom of the list, the ratio is just two or three nurses per 1,000 people.
In the 25 cities with the most nurses per capita, there are more than 15 nurses per 1,000 people. Seven metro areas have a ratio greater than 20 registered nurses per 1,000 residents.
Click here to see the cities with the fewest nurses
Click here to see the cities with the most nurses
Click here to read our methodology
Cities With the Most Nurses
25. Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 15 per 1,000 people (total: 8,630)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $74,100
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 574,659
> 65 and older population: 17.8% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,433 per 100,000 people (total: 13,815)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 64 per 100,000 people (total: 366)
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24. Altoona, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 15 per 1,000 people (total: 1,850)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,980
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 122,492
> 65 and older population: 20.8% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 3,563 per 100,000 people (total: 4,412)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 53 per 100,000 people (total: 66)
23. Jackson, Tennessee
> Registered nurses: 15 per 1,000 people (total: 1,970)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $57,860
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 129,209
> 65 and older population: 17.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 6,207 per 100,000 people (total: 11,080)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 127 per 100,000 people (total: 227)
22. Rapid City, South Dakota
> Registered nurses: 15 per 1,000 people (total: 2,280)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $59,740
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 147,316
> 65 and older population: 18.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 7,677 per 100,000 people (total: 10,496)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 67 per 100,000 people (total: 91)
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21. Jackson, Mississippi
> Registered nurses: 15 per 1,000 people (total: 9,030)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,610
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 583,080
> 65 and older population: 14.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,566 per 100,000 people (total: 27,320)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 102 per 100,000 people (total: 609)
20. Peoria, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 16 per 1,000 people (total: 5,740)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,530
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 368,683
> 65 and older population: 18.1% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,022 per 100,000 people (total: 20,584)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 72 per 100,000 people (total: 296)
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19. Bismarck, North Dakota
> Registered nurses: 16 per 1,000 people (total: 2,120)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $61,890
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 132,317
> 65 and older population: 16.1% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 12,870 per 100,000 people (total: 16,231)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 154 per 100,000 people (total: 194)
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18. Tyler, Texas
> Registered nurses: 16 per 1,000 people (total: 3,710)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $60,940
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 230,221
> 65 and older population: 16.5% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,610 per 100,000 people (total: 5,872)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 87 per 100,000 people (total: 196)
17. Charleston, West Virginia
> Registered nurses: 17 per 1,000 people (total: 3,530)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $62,560
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 211,285
> 65 and older population: 20.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,882 per 100,000 people (total: 7,707)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 73 per 100,000 people (total: 196)
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16. Charlottesville, Virginia
> Registered nurses: 17 per 1,000 people (total: 3,880)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $71,200
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 231,565
> 65 and older population: 17.9% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,264 per 100,000 people (total: 4,842)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 35 per 100,000 people (total: 74)
15. Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 17 per 1,000 people (total: 1,580)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $58,130
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 93,647
> 65 and older population: 17.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,698 per 100,000 people (total: 1,072)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 53 per 100,000 people (total: 10)
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14. Duluth, Minnesota, Wisconsin
> Registered nurses: 17 per 1,000 people (total: 4,720)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,460
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 278,799
> 65 and older population: 19.0% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,685 per 100,000 people (total: 13,566)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 48 per 100,000 people (total: 139)
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13. Fargo, North Dakota, Minnesota
> Registered nurses: 17 per 1,000 people (total: 4,260)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,900
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 245,471
> 65 and older population: 12.3% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 9,328 per 100,000 people (total: 22,107)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 78 per 100,000 people (total: 185)
12. Lima, Ohio
> Registered nurses: 18 per 1,000 people (total: 1,830)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $70,080
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 102,663
> 65 and older population: 17.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,313 per 100,000 people (total: 5,506)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 90 per 100,000 people (total: 93)
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11. Springfield, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 18 per 1,000 people (total: 3,790)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $69,310
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 207,676
> 65 and older population: 17.9% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,175 per 100,000 people (total: 10,869)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 50 per 100,000 people (total: 104)
10. Columbia, Missouri
> Registered nurses: 19 per 1,000 people (total: 3,410)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,260
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 180,005
> 65 and older population: 12.3% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,911 per 100,000 people (total: 12,073)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 17 per 100,000 people (total: 35)
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9. Gainesville, Florida
> Registered nurses: 19 per 1,000 people (total: 5,590)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,600
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 288,711
> 65 and older population: 14.4% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,708 per 100,000 people (total: 15,099)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 42 per 100,000 people (total: 136)
8. Greenville, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 20 per 1,000 people (total: 3,550)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $66,270
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 179,914
> 65 and older population: 13.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,497 per 100,000 people (total: 7,977)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 27 per 100,000 people (total: 48)
7. Iowa City, Iowa
> Registered nurses: 21 per 1,000 people (total: 3,600)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,390
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 173,401
> 65 and older population: 12.7% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 6,580 per 100,000 people (total: 11,129)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 31 per 100,000 people (total: 52)
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6. Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 22 per 1,000 people (total: 12,470)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,070
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 575,412
> 65 and older population: 15.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 3,443 per 100,000 people (total: 21,253)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 51 per 100,000 people (total: 312)
5. La Crosse-Onalaska, Wisconsin, Minnesota
> Registered nurses: 22 per 1,000 people (total: 2,990)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $72,460
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 136,808
> 65 and older population: 17.1% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 6,490 per 100,000 people (total: 8,860)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 29 per 100,000 people (total: 40)
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4. Morgantown, West Virginia
> Registered nurses: 23 per 1,000 people (total: 3,210)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $60,270
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 140,259
> 65 and older population: 14.4% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,902 per 100,000 people (total: 4,037)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 12 per 100,000 people (total: 16)
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3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
> Registered nurses: 24 per 1,000 people (total: 6,310)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $59,150
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 266,100
> 65 and older population: 13.4% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 10,762 per 100,000 people (total: 27,490)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 114 per 100,000 people (total: 292)
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan
> Registered nurses: 25 per 1,000 people (total: 9,340)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $77,050
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 370,963
> 65 and older population: 13.8% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,862 per 100,000 people (total: 10,474)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 37 per 100,000 people (total: 135)
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1. Bloomsburg-Berwick, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 31 per 1,000 people (total: 2,620)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $67,620
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 83,696
> 65 and older population: 19.9% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,333 per 100,000 people (total: 1,972)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 78 per 100,000 people (total: 66)
Cities With the Fewest Nurses
25. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 2,600)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,140
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 480,891
> 65 and older population: 26.1% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,027 per 100,000 people (total: 18,031)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 73 per 100,000 people (total: 329)
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24. Grants Pass, Oregon
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 470)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $87,100
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 87,393
> 65 and older population: 26.0% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 663 per 100,000 people (total: 567)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 05 per 100,000 people (total: 04)
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23. Bremerton-Silverdale, Washington
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,450)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $81,630
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 269,805
> 65 and older population: 17.8% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 00 per 100,000 people (total: 00)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 00 per 100,000 people (total: 00)
22. Warner Robins, Georgia
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,040)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,410
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 193,729
> 65 and older population: 13.7% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,962 per 100,000 people (total: 5,292)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 76 per 100,000 people (total: 135)
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21. Morristown, Tennessee
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 630)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $54,290
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 118,581
> 65 and older population: 19.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,124 per 100,000 people (total: 7,173)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 79 per 100,000 people (total: 111)
20. Burlington, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 880)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $00
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 166,436
> 65 and older population: 16.9% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,514 per 100,000 people (total: 7,249)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 60 per 100,000 people (total: 97)
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19. El Centro, California
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 960)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $88,200
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 181,827
> 65 and older population: 13.0% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 8,996 per 100,000 people (total: 16,212)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 198 per 100,000 people (total: 356)
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18. Yuba City, California
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 920)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $121,450
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 174,848
> 65 and older population: 14.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 3,185 per 100,000 people (total: 5,458)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 15 per 100,000 people (total: 26)
17. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,410)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $142,930
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 274,255
> 65 and older population: 16.5% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 1,665 per 100,000 people (total: 4,558)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 10 per 100,000 people (total: 28)
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16. Yuma, Arizona
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,090)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $74,930
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 212,128
> 65 and older population: 18.8% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 8,830 per 100,000 people (total: 18,352)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 189 per 100,000 people (total: 392)
15. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, Arizona
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,070)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,850
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 209,550
> 65 and older population: 30.3% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 3,143 per 100,000 people (total: 6,477)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 127 per 100,000 people (total: 262)
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14. Brownsville-Harlingen, Texas
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 2,160)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $69,730
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 423,908
> 65 and older population: 13.5% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 6,130 per 100,000 people (total: 25,855)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 240 per 100,000 people (total: 1,013)
13. Ogden-Clearfield, Utah
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 3,380)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,110
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 676,948
> 65 and older population: 10.9% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,904 per 100,000 people (total: 16,705)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 20 per 100,000 people (total: 67)
12. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 510)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $69,300
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 102,811
> 65 and older population: 20.4% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,006 per 100,000 people (total: 2,047)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 46 per 100,000 people (total: 47)
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11. Laredo, Texas
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,290)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,920
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 275,910
> 65 and older population: 9.5% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 7,242 per 100,000 people (total: 19,703)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 138 per 100,000 people (total: 376)
10. Albany, Oregon
> Registered nurses: 5 per 1,000 people (total: 590)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $77,940
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 127,335
> 65 and older population: 18.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 1,196 per 100,000 people (total: 1,469)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 19 per 100,000 people (total: 23)
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9. Visalia-Porterville, California
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 2,050)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $90,540
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 465,861
> 65 and older population: 11.4% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,524 per 100,000 people (total: 20,833)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 68 per 100,000 people (total: 312)
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8. Cleveland, Tennessee
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 540)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $53,690
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 124,748
> 65 and older population: 17.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 5,181 per 100,000 people (total: 6,287)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 43 per 100,000 people (total: 52)
7. Sierra Vista-Douglas, Arizona
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 540)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $67,790
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 126,770
> 65 and older population: 22.3% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,994 per 100,000 people (total: 3,781)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 63 per 100,000 people (total: 79)
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6. Clarksville, Tennessee, Kentucky
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 1,150)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,040
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 290,745
> 65 and older population: 10.6% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 3,744 per 100,000 people (total: 11,093)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 48 per 100,000 people (total: 141)
5. Monroe, Michigan
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 590)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $69,120
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 150,439
> 65 and older population: 18.1% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 3,694 per 100,000 people (total: 5,530)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 57 per 100,000 people (total: 86)
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4. Greeley, Colorado
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 1,170)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,960
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 314,305
> 65 and older population: 12.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,753 per 100,000 people (total: 14,026)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 66 per 100,000 people (total: 196)
3. Jacksonville, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 4 per 1,000 people (total: 730)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,210
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 197,683
> 65 and older population: 9.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,808 per 100,000 people (total: 5,445)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 22 per 100,000 people (total: 43)
2. Merced, California
> Registered nurses: 3 per 1,000 people (total: 860)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $101,040
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 274,765
> 65 and older population: 11.2% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 4,427 per 100,000 people (total: 11,913)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 67 per 100,000 people (total: 181)
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1. Hinesville, Georgia
> Registered nurses: 2 per 1,000 people (total: 170)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $69,680
> All health care workers: 29.1 per 1,000 people (total: 14,000)
> Total population: 80,008
> 65 and older population: 9.3% (total: 125,501)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Dec 1, 2020: 2,258 per 100,000 people (total: 1,812)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Dec 1, 2020: 42 per 100,000 people (total: 34)
Methodology
To identify the cities with the most and fewest nurses per capita, 24/7 Tempo calculated the number of registered nurses per 1,000 people in U.S. metropolitan statistical areas using 2019 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) database and from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey (ACS). For reference, there are approximately 9.1 registered nurses for every 1,000 people in the United States.
Annual median wages for registered nurses and employment figures for respiratory therapists also came from the OES. We estimated the total number of health care workers in each MSA by adding employment totals for the two broad health care occupations: practitioners and technical occupations, and health care support occupations. Registered nurses are classified under health care practitioners and technical occupations.
The percentage of each MSA’s population aged 65 and over came from the 2018 ACS.
Each MSA’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 related deaths are as of Dec. 2, 2020 and were obtained by 24/7 Tempo from state and local health departments.
Data from the BLS on registered nurses was not available for following 25 metro areas: Albany, GA, Bellingham, WA, Billings, MT, California-Lexington Park, MD, Corvallis, OR, Flagstaff, AZ, Fond du Lac, WI, Gainesville, GA, Glens Falls, NY, Grand Forks, ND-MN, Grand, Island, NE, Great Falls, MT, Hanford-Corcoran, CA, Harrisonburg, VA, Hattiesburg, MS, Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, Longview, WA, Madera, CA, Midland, MI, Muskegon, MI, Rochester, MN, Sebring, FL, Texarkana, TX-AR, Walla Walla, WA.
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