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During the COVID-19 pandemic, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) were among the hardest-hit healthcare institutions. Since then, skilled nursing facility occupancy rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels in many areas, though the industry still faces challenges, particularly when it comes to staffing these facilities.
This report compiles current occupancy trends, regional variations, and the factors affecting bed availability in SNFs across the United States. We gathered data from federal databases and industry benchmarking reports to provide a comprehensive look at where the industry stands today.
The skilled nursing industry has reached a significant milestone in its recovery from pandemic-era lows. As of late 2024, occupancy rates had climbed back to levels not seen since early 2020. This table shows the overall national average occupancy, as well as pre-pandemic average occupancy and pandemic-related lows seen in 2021.
| National Skilled Nursing Facility Occupancy Rates | |
| Metric | Rate |
| Pre-Pandemic Baseline (2019) | 82.0% |
| Covid-19 Pandemic Low (2021) | 67.0% |
| National Average Occupancy (2024) | 80.5% |
The national average of 80.5% represents a steady climb from the dramatic dips experienced during 2020 and 2021, indicating that facilities are successfully attracting new residents and filling beds that had remained empty for years.
What’s particularly encouraging is that over 50% of industry leaders expect occupancy rates to continue rising, due to an aging population requiring skilled care, improved infection control protocols, and renewed confidence in facility safety among families making care decisions.
Not all skilled nursing facilities see the same occupancy numbers. Facilities that specialize in specific types of care often report higher occupancy levels compared to general SNFs.
| Occupancy Rates by Facility Type, 2025 | ||
| Facility Type | Average Occupancy | Specialty Focus |
| General Skilled Nursing | 77.0% | Comprehensive care services |
| Memory Care Specialized | 83.0% | Dementia and Alzheimer's care |
| Post-Acute Rehabilitation | 85.0% | Short-term recovery services |
| PACS Group Facilities | 88.6% | High-acuity specialized care |
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3
Memory care units within skilled nursing facilities also see stronger occupancy numbers. With nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, families actively seek facilities that specialize in cognitive care, creating steady demand for these specialized beds.
Post-acute rehabilitation centers that focus on recovery after surgery or hospital stays report occupancy rates around 85%. These facilities benefit from hospital referral networks and shorter average stays, allowing them to cycle through more patients throughout the year.
Similarly, PACS Group facilities, which emphasize high-acuity specialized care, consistently achieve occupancy rates above 88%. These facilities often serve patients with complex medical needs who require specialized equipment and clinical expertise.
Geography also plays a significant role in how full facilities stay. Some states consistently report higher occupancy rates than others. According to KFF data, these are the states with the highest skilled nursing facility occupancy rates in the United States:
| U.S. States with Highest SNF Occupancy Rates | |
| Metric | Rate |
| North Dakota | 90% |
| New York | 88% |
| West Virginia | 88% |
| Alaska | 87% |
| Florida | 87% |
| California | 86% |
| Virginia | 86% |
And these states have the lowest occupancy rates:
| U.S. States with Lowest SNF Occupancy Rates | |
| Metric | Rate |
| Montana | 59% |
| Oklahoma | 61% |
| Oregon | 63% |
| Texas | 64% |
| Utah | 66% |
| Idaho | 67% |
| Wyoming | 67% |
States in the upper Midwest and Northeast tend to report the highest occupancy rates. North Dakota leads the nation at 90%, followed by West Virginia and New York at 88%. These states benefit from established healthcare infrastructures, a strong community ties to local facilities, and (in the case of North Dakota) higher numbers of facility closures that have consolidated beds in fewer locations.
Meanwhile, states like Montana (59%), Oklahoma (61%), and Oregon (63%) struggle with lower occupancy. These states face challenges including workforce shortages and rural geography that makes it harder for families to visit.
Even as demand for skilled nursing care increases, facilities face a critical challenge: finding enough qualified staff to care for residents. This staffing shortage directly impacts how many residents a facility can safely admit.
| Healthcare Workforce Shortages (Nationwide) | ||
| Position | Projected Shortage by 2027 | Impact on Facilities |
| Registered Nurses | 80,000 | Limited clinical oversight capacity |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 42,000 | Reduced medication management staff |
| Certified Nursing Assistants | 145,000 | Decreased direct care availability |
| Total Healthcare Workers | 267,000 | Facility admission restrictions |
The Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortfall of nearly 80,000 full-time registered nurses in 2025, a gap that could persist through 2037. Licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants face similar shortages, creating bottlenecks throughout the care delivery system.
More than 25% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide have already been forced to limit new patient admissions due to staffing shortages. This creates a difficult situation: facilities may have empty beds available, but without enough nurses and aides to provide care, they cannot safely accept new residents.
Staff turnover compounds the problem. The 2025 Skilled Nursing Workforce Report found an average turnover rate of 82% across the industry. When experienced staff leave, facilities must constantly recruit, train, and onboard new employees, which takes time and resources away from resident care.
The improving skilled nursing facility occupancy rates tell a positive story about the industry’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the staffing crisis remains the most significant challenge facing the industry.
For families searching for skilled nursing care, these trends suggest a few key takeaways:
If you’d like to learn more about this report or our facilities, contact Nightingale at Glenwood.