Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas? - Scorecard - MDSpire

Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

National survey data found lower per-capita representation across 23 occupations in nonmetropolitan communities, with the largest workforce differences observed among psychologists, physicians, and surgeons.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • June 11, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionHealthcare Workforce Distribution
Key MechanismsDifferences in healthcare worker availability between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Target PopulationUS population, particularly those in nonmetropolitan areas.
Care SettingPatient-facing healthcare occupations.

Key Highlights

  • Nonmetropolitan areas have 44% fewer healthcare workers per capita than metropolitan areas.
  • Only 8% of healthcare workers are employed in nonmetropolitan areas, despite 14% of the US population living there.
  • Psychologists and physicians show the largest workforce disparities between urban and rural settings.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

    Management

      Monitoring & Follow-up

        Risks

          Patient & Prescribing Data

          Residents of nonmetropolitan areas.

          Limited access to trained healthcare professionals may affect healthcare delivery.

          Clinical Best Practices

            Related Resources & Content

            Original Source(s)

            Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

            • by Andrea Surnit

            • June 11, 2026

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