Best states to practice medicine in 2019

High healthcare quality amid a booming economy.

No wonder Utah is nicknamed the Beehive State—it's as busy as one these days. Utah's economy is booming, and so is its expanding workforce. For physicians and their families, Utah ranks #2 in both healthcare quality and higher education, and #7 in both physician density and health and wellbeing. It's also one of the happiest states, second only to Hawaii.

Rugged natural beauty is the backdrop to physician opportunity.

Forget about the potatoes. Idaho's nickname is the Gem State, not only because of its precious underground resources, but also for its above-ground unspoiled natural beauty. It's ranked #2 among states with the fewest physicians per population, #6 in healthcare quality, and #7 for physician pay.

Ranks high in healthcare quality and higher education.

Washington's reputation as a rainy Northwestern state isn't entirely deserved—Florida and Louisiana get more precipitation during the year. Among Washington's other distinctions, the Evergreen State ranked #3 in our analysis for both healthcare quality and higher education, and #5 in physician pay.

High quality of life plus no state income tax.

This wide-open state is much more than Mount Rushmore and the bleak Badlands. It's second only to Alaska as the most tax-friendly state in the United States, and it's one of the few states that has no income tax. In addition, South Dakota ranks #5 for quality of life.

Friendly to cowboys, cowgirls, and businesspeople.

If you like the outdoors, you'll be at home in Wyoming. The Cowboy State features 12 state parks, 8 national forests, 6 national parks, and plenty of open spaces to hunt, fish, bike, hike, and climb. Wyoming is not only one of the most tax-friendly states (#3) but it also has the most business-friendly tax climate. And if it's elbow room you're looking for, it has a low physician population (#3).

High pay and quality of life, plus low medical malpractice insurance.

Is America's Dairyland the land of milk and honey? Maybe so. It scores high in terms of physician salary (#2), quality of life (#3), and places to raise a family (#7). Plus, it's one of the states with the lowest industry average cost for medical malpractice insurance (#8).

Healthy lifestyle goes hand in hand with healthy economy.

Not only is Colorado one of the physically fittest states—with mountains to climb, trails to hike, and rivers to raft in—but its economy is considered the healthiest in the United States, according to US News & World Report. For physicians, the Centennial State scores well for healthcare quality (#5), health & wellbeing (#6), salary (#9), quality of life (#10), family friendliness (#12), and cultural activity (#12).

Things are popping in the Cornhusker State.

The Cornhusker State is alive and well, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Meanwhile, physicians may appreciate its low cost of medical malpractice insurance (#4) and its higher education rank (#7), though it also scores well in terms of healthcare quality, family friendliness, and health & wellbeing.

Ranks near the top in numerous categories.

Last year, the Hawkeye State topped our list of best states for physicians to practice (and it still comes in first in US News & World Report's overall Best States rankings). For physicians, Iowa ranks among the top 10 states in several categories: physician density per population (#8); higher education (#8); and quality of life (#9). The state also gets good grades for physician pay, cost of living, places to raise a family, and health & wellbeing.