United States Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
United States's physicians was 4.54 in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 23.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United States's physicians stood at 4.54 in 2025, a rise of +0.86 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.54 by 2025. United States ranked 17th globally.
The United States recorded 4.54 physicians per 1,000 people in 2025, ranking it 17th worldwide and matching its all‑time peak, which was first reached in the same year after a steady climb from a trough of 1.10 in 1960. Over the 29‑year coverage span, the physician density more than quadrupled, reflecting expanded medical education capacity, higher health‑care spending, and demographic pressures that have driven demand for clinical services. Compared with peer nations, the United States is marginally below San Marino’s 4.58 and Switzerland’s 4.58, yet equal to Czechia’s 4.54, underscoring a competitive but not leading position among high‑income economies. The sustained upward trajectory suggests that continued investment in medical school enrollment and retention policies could further raise the ratio, while potential constraints such as workforce burnout or funding cuts might temper future growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 4.54 | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.54 | +0.86 | #17 |
| 2022 | 3.68 | +0.11 | #32 |
| 2021 | 3.58 | +0.06 | #35 |
| 2020 | 3.52 | +0.04 | #34 |
| 2019 | 3.48 | +0.93 | #35 |
| 2018 | 2.55 | −0.16 | #55 |
| 2004 | 2.71 | +0.12 | #36 |
| 2000 | 2.60 | +0.19 | #34 |
| 1995 | 2.41 | +0.51 | #35 |
| 1993 | 1.90 | +0.00 | #45 |
| 1992 | 1.90 | +0.00 | #48 |
| 1991 | 1.90 | +0.10 | #44 |
| 1990 | 1.80 | +0.00 | #47 |
| 1989 | 1.80 | +0.00 | #22 |
| 1988 | 1.80 | +0.00 | #23 |
Analysis
United States's physicians was 4.54 in 2025, a rise of +0.86 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 4.54 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's physicians was 4.54 in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 23.3% increase from the previous year.
United States's physicians peaked at 4.54 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in United States was 1.10 in 1960.
United States ranks 17th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's physicians is projected to reach 4.54 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of United States in 2025 was 4.54. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_physicians,
title = {United States Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}