Where RNs Are Most Concentrated: Rankings by State

Why It Matters

RN concentration indicates how easily states can meet healthcare staffing needs, influencing patient outcomes and labor costs. Understanding these gaps helps providers and policymakers target recruitment and training efforts where they’re most needed.

Key Takeaways

• West Virginia tops RN concentration: 33.4 nurses per 1,000 jobs
• Utah ranks lowest at 15.8 nurses per 1,000 jobs
• General medical/surgical hospitals employ 56% of all RNs (~1.9M jobs)
• Large states like California, Texas have high RN totals but low concentration
• BLS data shows RN concentration varies widely across 50 states and DC

Pulse Analysis

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its May 2025 occupational employment statistics, revealing how registered nurses (RNs) are distributed across the U.S. economy when measured per 1,000 jobs. West Virginia leads with 33.4 RNs per 1,000 jobs, while Utah trails at 15.8. Although California and Texas employ the largest absolute numbers of nurses, their concentration ranks near the bottom, underscoring the difference between sheer volume and workforce density. The full ranking lists all 50 states and the District of Columbia, offering a granular view of regional nursing supply.

These concentration figures matter because they reflect the balance between healthcare demand and the local labor pool. States with higher RN density, often less populated or with strong teaching hospital networks, can more readily fill staffing gaps, potentially improving patient‑to‑nurse ratios and clinical outcomes. Conversely, low‑concentration states may face heightened competition for talent, leading to higher turnover, reliance on travel nurses, and increased labor costs. The disparity also signals where telehealth and regional collaboration could mitigate shortages.

For hospital executives and policymakers, the data provide a roadmap for targeted recruitment and education initiatives. Investing in nursing schools, apprenticeship programs, and incentive packages in low‑concentration markets like Utah can expand the pipeline. Meanwhile, high‑concentration states should monitor for saturation that could drive wage inflation. As the aging population fuels demand for acute and home‑based care, aligning RN supply with regional needs will be critical to maintaining quality and controlling costs across the national health system.