The current pandemic crisis overwhelming the world has demonstrated that some of the most essential workers — anywhere — are those employed in the health care industry. The United States public health care system has been severely strained. In many places around the country, health care workers are in supply.
In fact, nurses in some hospitals’ intensive care units are caring for five patients at a time, more than twice the number normal number of patients. Some cities, with considerably larger health care workforces, seem better prepared to fight the outbreak.
24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics to identify the metropolitan areas with the most nurses per capita in the United States.
There are 2.98 million registered nurses in the US, comprising about 2% of the workforce. Nurses are the fifth largest profession out of 789 detailed occupations tracked by the BLS.
Nationwide, there are about nine registered nurses per 1,000 people. In the 50 cities with the most nurses per capita, there are more than 13 nurses per 1,000 people. Seven cities have a ratio greater than 20 registered nurses per 1,000 residents. nurses per 1,000 people.
Hospitals all over the country are trying to prepare for what they expect to be an increasing number of people suffering from the new coronavirus and needing hospitalization There is an increasing demand for “travel nurses,” or nurses from other states, as positions in intensive care units and emergency rooms have opened all over the country. (These are the states with the fewest nurses.)
The biggest spikes in demand are in Massachusetts, Washington, California, New York, and New Jersey, which are among the states with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases. Some of the cities with the most nurses per capita are in those states.
Along with nurses, there is a shortage of health care professionals with less familiar roles. They include those who help the sick breathe — respiratory therapists. These therapists operate the ventilators that are crucial for COVID-19 patients. There are about 134,000 respiratory therapists nationwide, compared to nearly 3 million registered nurses.
Click here to see the cities with the fewest nurses
Click here for our methodology
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
50. Elmira, New York
> Registered nurses: 13.4 per 1,000 people (total: 1,130)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $67,670
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 52.2 per 1,000 people (total: 4,400)
> Total population: 84,254
> 65 and older population: 19.0% (total: 15,975)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 38
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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49. Asheville, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 13.5 per 1,000 people (total: 6,210)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,110
> Respiratory therapists: 240
> All health care workers: 59.2 per 1,000 people (total: 27,200)
> Total population: 459,585
> 65 and older population: 22.2% (total: 102,010)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 80
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
48. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
> Registered nurses: 13.5 per 1,000 people (total: 10,650)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,510
> Respiratory therapists: 470
> All health care workers: 47.1 per 1,000 people (total: 37,080)
> Total population: 787,643
> 65 and older population: 15.2% (total: 119,665)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 364
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
47. Casper, Wyoming
> Registered nurses: 13.5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,070)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,110
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 50.7 per 1,000 people (total: 4,010)
> Total population: 79,115
> 65 and older population: 15.4% (total: 12,180)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 23
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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Source: MasaoTaira / Getty Images
46. Napa, California
> Registered nurses: 13.6 per 1,000 people (total: 1,890)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $111,510
> Respiratory therapists: 60
> All health care workers: 63.2 per 1,000 people (total: 8,810)
> Total population: 139,417
> 65 and older population: 19.1% (total: 26,665)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 21
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
45. Owensboro, Kentucky
> Registered nurses: 13.6 per 1,000 people (total: 1,630)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $62,640
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 48.5 per 1,000 people (total: 5,800)
> Total population: 119,691
> 65 and older population: 17.1% (total: 20,414)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 63
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
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44. Lewiston, Idaho
> Registered nurses: 13.6 per 1,000 people (total: 860)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $73,000
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 55.4 per 1,000 people (total: 3,490)
> Total population: 63,018
> 65 and older population: 21.2% (total: 13,333)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 16
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
43. Johnson City, Tennessee
> Registered nurses: 13.7 per 1,000 people (total: 2,800)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $59,530
> Respiratory therapists: 160
> All health care workers: 58.4 per 1,000 people (total: 11,910)
> Total population: 203,921
> 65 and older population: 19.8% (total: 40,051)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 27
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: 6381380 / Getty Images
42. Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio
> Registered nurses: 13.7 per 1,000 people (total: 4,850)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $62,680
> Respiratory therapists: 250
> All health care workers: 58.3 per 1,000 people (total: 20,570)
> Total population: 352,823
> 65 and older population: 19.4% (total: 68,281)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 40
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
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Source: Xjbri / Wikimedia Commons
41. Carbondale-Marion, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 13.8 per 1,000 people (total: 1,720)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $58,960
> Respiratory therapists: 110
> All health care workers: 56.6 per 1,000 people (total: 7,040)
> Total population: 124,475
> 65 and older population: 17.5% (total: 21,730)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 15
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
Source: Willjay / Wikimedia Commons
40. Omaha-Council Bluffs, Nebraska
> Registered nurses: 13.9 per 1,000 people (total: 13,130)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $66,090
> Respiratory therapists: 590
> All health care workers: 52.6 per 1,000 people (total: 49,540)
> Total population: 941,924
> 65 and older population: 13.8% (total: 129,565)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 230
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 3
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
39. Evansville, Indiana
> Registered nurses: 14.0 per 1,000 people (total: 4,390)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $62,250
> Respiratory therapists: 220
> All health care workers: 59.9 per 1,000 people (total: 18,850)
> Total population: 314,672
> 65 and older population: 17.3% (total: 54,331)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 70
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
38. Roanoke, Virginia
> Registered nurses: 14.0 per 1,000 people (total: 4,390)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,590
> Respiratory therapists: 260
> All health care workers: 61.6 per 1,000 people (total: 19,370)
> Total population: 314,515
> 65 and older population: 20.2% (total: 63,480)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 41
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: johnrandallalves / Getty Images
37. Carson City, Nevada
> Registered nurses: 14.1 per 1,000 people (total: 780)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $79,980
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 59.2 per 1,000 people (total: 3,280)
> Total population: 55,414
> 65 and older population: 20.3% (total: 11,261)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 10
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images
36. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
> Registered nurses: 14.3 per 1,000 people (total: 7,400)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $61,210
> Respiratory therapists: 420
> All health care workers: 57.2 per 1,000 people (total: 29,570)
> Total population: 516,697
> 65 and older population: 14.2% (total: 73,331)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 212
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 7
Source: pdmjr99 / Flickr
35. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 14.5 per 1,000 people (total: 33,600)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,630
> Respiratory therapists: 1,370
> All health care workers: 65.2 per 1,000 people (total: 151,480)
> Total population: 2,324,743
> 65 and older population: 20.0% (total: 465,340)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 1,012
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 13
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34. Rome, Georgia
> Registered nurses: 14.5 per 1,000 people (total: 1,420)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $67,500
> Respiratory therapists: 110
> All health care workers: 58.5 per 1,000 people (total: 5,730)
> Total population: 97,927
> 65 and older population: 16.7% (total: 16,390)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 82
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 3
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33. Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama
> Registered nurses: 14.6 per 1,000 people (total: 16,760)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $61,220
> Respiratory therapists: 710
> All health care workers: 51.1 per 1,000 people (total: 58,810)
> Total population: 1,151,801
> 65 and older population: 16.2% (total: 186,332)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 675
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 14
Source: cosmonaut / Getty Images
32. Dubuque, Iowa
> Registered nurses: 14.6 per 1,000 people (total: 1,410)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $58,020
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 62.8 per 1,000 people (total: 6,080)
> Total population: 96,854
> 65 and older population: 18.0% (total: 17,409)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 24
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
31. Saginaw, Michigan
> Registered nurses: 14.6 per 1,000 people (total: 2,790)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,840
> Respiratory therapists: 170
> All health care workers: 61.2 per 1,000 people (total: 11,680)
> Total population: 190,800
> 65 and older population: 19.3% (total: 36,783)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 118
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
30. Mankato-North Mankato, Minnesota
> Registered nurses: 14.8 per 1,000 people (total: 1,500)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $70,490
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 69.2 per 1,000 people (total: 7,030)
> Total population: 101,647
> 65 and older population: 14.7% (total: 14,926)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 19
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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29. St. Cloud, Minnesota
> Registered nurses: 14.8 per 1,000 people (total: 2,960)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $79,630
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 64.0 per 1,000 people (total: 12,780)
> Total population: 199,801
> 65 and older population: 14.9% (total: 29,788)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 7
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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Source: traveler1116 / Getty Images
28. Bangor, Maine
> Registered nurses: 14.8 per 1,000 people (total: 2,240)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $74,830
> Respiratory therapists: 70
> All health care workers: 71.3 per 1,000 people (total: 10,770)
> Total population: 151,096
> 65 and older population: 18.7% (total: 28,204)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 22
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: felixmizioznikov / Getty Images
27. Florence, South Carolina
> Registered nurses: 14.9 per 1,000 people (total: 3,050)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,380
> Respiratory therapists: 160
> All health care workers: 60.5 per 1,000 people (total: 12,390)
> Total population: 204,961
> 65 and older population: 17.6% (total: 36,149)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 55
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 5
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26. Dayton, Ohio
> Registered nurses: 15.0 per 1,000 people (total: 12,100)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $67,900
> Respiratory therapists: 610
> All health care workers: 59.2 per 1,000 people (total: 47,770)
> Total population: 806,548
> 65 and older population: 17.9% (total: 144,185)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 173
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 13
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
25. Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 15.0 per 1,000 people (total: 8,630)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $74,100
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 63.7 per 1,000 people (total: 36,580)
> Total population: 574,659
> 65 and older population: 17.8% (total: 102,078)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 181
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 4
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24. Altoona, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 15.1 per 1,000 people (total: 1,850)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,980
> Respiratory therapists: 50
> All health care workers: 68.0 per 1,000 people (total: 8,330)
> Total population: 122,492
> 65 and older population: 20.8% (total: 25,445)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 6
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: Jacob Boomsma / Getty Images
23. Jackson, Tennessee
> Registered nurses: 15.2 per 1,000 people (total: 1,970)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $57,860
> Respiratory therapists: 110
> All health care workers: 74.7 per 1,000 people (total: 9,650)
> Total population: 129,209
> 65 and older population: 17.2% (total: 22,273)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 25
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
22. Rapid City, South Dakota
> Registered nurses: 15.5 per 1,000 people (total: 2,280)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $59,740
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 49.7 per 1,000 people (total: 7,320)
> Total population: 147,316
> 65 and older population: 18.2% (total: 27,024)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 7
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
21. Jackson, Mississippi
> Registered nurses: 15.5 per 1,000 people (total: 9,030)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $63,610
> Respiratory therapists: 400
> All health care workers: 62.0 per 1,000 people (total: 36,170)
> Total population: 583,080
> 65 and older population: 14.6% (total: 84,426)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 350
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
Source: ghornephoto / Getty Images
20. Peoria, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 15.6 per 1,000 people (total: 5,740)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,530
> Respiratory therapists: 260
> All health care workers: 57.8 per 1,000 people (total: 21,310)
> Total population: 368,683
> 65 and older population: 18.1% (total: 66,523)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 34
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
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19. Bismarck, North Dakota
> Registered nurses: 16.0 per 1,000 people (total: 2,120)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $61,890
> Respiratory therapists: 50
> All health care workers: 69.8 per 1,000 people (total: 9,230)
> Total population: 132,317
> 65 and older population: 16.1% (total: 21,304)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 55
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
Source: jodi4art / Getty Images
18. Tyler, Texas
> Registered nurses: 16.1 per 1,000 people (total: 3,710)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $60,940
> Respiratory therapists: 190
> All health care workers: 78.4 per 1,000 people (total: 18,050)
> Total population: 230,221
> 65 and older population: 16.5% (total: 38,010)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 57
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
Source: 6381380 / Getty Images
17. Charleston, West Virginia
> Registered nurses: 16.7 per 1,000 people (total: 3,530)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $62,560
> Respiratory therapists: 230
> All health care workers: 71.6 per 1,000 people (total: 15,120)
> Total population: 211,285
> 65 and older population: 20.6% (total: 43,451)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 51
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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Source: Joel Carillet / Getty Images
16. Charlottesville, Virginia
> Registered nurses: 16.8 per 1,000 people (total: 3,880)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $71,200
> Respiratory therapists: 200
> All health care workers: 67.9 per 1,000 people (total: 15,730)
> Total population: 231,565
> 65 and older population: 17.9% (total: 42,071)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 71
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
15. Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 16.9 per 1,000 people (total: 1,580)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $58,130
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 77.0 per 1,000 people (total: 7,210)
> Total population: 93,647
> 65 and older population: 17.6% (total: 17,109)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 18
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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14. Duluth, Minnesota, Wisconsin
> Registered nurses: 16.9 per 1,000 people (total: 4,720)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $64,460
> Respiratory therapists: 90
> All health care workers: 73.8 per 1,000 people (total: 20,580)
> Total population: 278,799
> 65 and older population: 19.0% (total: 52,923)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 30
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
13. Fargo, North Dakota, Minnesota
> Registered nurses: 17.4 per 1,000 people (total: 4,260)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,900
> Respiratory therapists: 190
> All health care workers: 71.0 per 1,000 people (total: 17,420)
> Total population: 245,471
> 65 and older population: 12.3% (total: 30,207)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 67
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
12. Lima, Ohio
> Registered nurses: 17.8 per 1,000 people (total: 1,830)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $70,080
> Respiratory therapists: 90
> All health care workers: 70.4 per 1,000 people (total: 7,230)
> Total population: 102,663
> 65 and older population: 17.6% (total: 18,117)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 18
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
11. Springfield, Illinois
> Registered nurses: 18.2 per 1,000 people (total: 3,790)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $69,310
> Respiratory therapists: 180
> All health care workers: 63.1 per 1,000 people (total: 13,110)
> Total population: 207,676
> 65 and older population: 17.9% (total: 37,265)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 34
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 2
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
10. Columbia, Missouri
> Registered nurses: 18.9 per 1,000 people (total: 3,410)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,260
> Respiratory therapists: 70
> All health care workers: 75.3 per 1,000 people (total: 13,550)
> Total population: 180,005
> 65 and older population: 12.3% (total: 22,058)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 76
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
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Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
9. Gainesville, Florida
> Registered nurses: 19.4 per 1,000 people (total: 5,590)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $68,600
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 74.0 per 1,000 people (total: 21,360)
> Total population: 288,711
> 65 and older population: 14.4% (total: 41,577)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 123
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: Camb.g2g / Wikimedia Commons
8. Greenville, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 19.7 per 1,000 people (total: 3,550)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $66,270
> Respiratory therapists: 140
> All health care workers: 68.6 per 1,000 people (total: 12,350)
> Total population: 179,914
> 65 and older population: 13.2% (total: 23,789)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 36
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: harmantasdc / Getty Images
7. Iowa City, Iowa
> Registered nurses: 20.8 per 1,000 people (total: 3,600)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,390
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 73.0 per 1,000 people (total: 12,650)
> Total population: 173,401
> 65 and older population: 12.7% (total: 22,008)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 155
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 4
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Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
6. Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina
> Registered nurses: 21.7 per 1,000 people (total: 12,470)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $65,070
> Respiratory therapists: 410
> All health care workers: 77.4 per 1,000 people (total: 44,550)
> Total population: 575,412
> 65 and older population: 15.2% (total: 87,491)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 263
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
Source: Jason_Ray_Photography / Getty Images
5. La Crosse-Onalaska, Wisconsin, Minnesota
> Registered nurses: 21.9 per 1,000 people (total: 2,990)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $72,460
> Respiratory therapists: 120
> All health care workers: 77.8 per 1,000 people (total: 10,650)
> Total population: 136,808
> 65 and older population: 17.1% (total: 23,391)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 22
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
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4. Morgantown, West Virginia
> Registered nurses: 22.9 per 1,000 people (total: 3,210)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $60,270
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 81.5 per 1,000 people (total: 11,430)
> Total population: 140,259
> 65 and older population: 14.4% (total: 20,226)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 54
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 1
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
> Registered nurses: 23.7 per 1,000 people (total: 6,310)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $59,150
> Respiratory therapists: 180
> All health care workers: 72.9 per 1,000 people (total: 19,400)
> Total population: 266,100
> 65 and older population: 13.4% (total: 35,596)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 133
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
Source: Davel5957 / Getty Images
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan
> Registered nurses: 25.2 per 1,000 people (total: 9,340)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $77,050
> Respiratory therapists: 360
> All health care workers: 92.6 per 1,000 people (total: 34,340)
> Total population: 370,963
> 65 and older population: 13.8% (total: 51,377)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 521
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 8
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1. Bloomsburg-Berwick, Pennsylvania
> Registered nurses: 31.3 per 1,000 people (total: 2,620)
> Registered nurse, annual median wage: $67,620
> Respiratory therapists: N/A
> All health care workers: 94.2 per 1,000 people (total: 7,880)
> Total population: 83,696
> 65 and older population: 19.9% (total: 16,618)
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/5/2020: 59
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/5/2020: 0
To identify the cities with the most 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 occupations: health care 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 confirmed COVID-19 deaths came from the New York Times and is as of April 5, 2020.
Data from the BLS on registered nurses 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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