Intensive care units, or ICUs, are specialized hospital wards set up to provide close monitoring and critical treatment for seriously ill patients. ICUs have fewer patients but more staff in order to provide nearly one-on-one care.
There are just over 91,000 intensive care beds in hospitals across the United States, and all are expected to get filled as the coronavirus pandemic worsens. 24/7 Tempo analyzed processed records from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to determine the states with the most and fewest ICU beds per capita.
Nationwide, the average number of ICU beds per 10,000 people is 2.7. This figure ranges between one bed per 10,000 people in the state with the fewest ICU beds per capita to almost four per 10,000 people in the state with the most ICU beds per capita.
Though most COVID-19 patients recover on their own, the novel coronavirus can attack the lungs, causing people to have difficulties breathing. In severe cases, patients need to be hospitalized, sometimes in ICU with a portion requiring the aid of ventilators to breathe. As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise nationwide, so will the need for hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of April 6, 2020, the COVID-19 associated hospitalization rate was 4.6 per 100,000 people nationwide, with the highest rates in persons 65 years and older (13.8 per 100,000) and 50-64 years (7.4 per 100,000). These rates are similar to the spike in hospital visits seen at the beginning of an annual influenza epidemic.
Hospitals all over the country have been pushed to their limits because of the skyrocketing number of COVID-19 patients — the number of people hospitalized can double in just over a night in more populous cities. Hospitals have had to get creative to find solutions to the bed shortage. New York, for example, is merging all its hospitals into one big hospital system to battle the coronavirus by sharing all of their resources, including ICU beds.
The shortage of ICU beds is compounded by the projected shortage of ventilators. While not all patients in the ICU with coronavirus will need a ventilator to help them breathe, there is still a severe shortage of ventilators, especially in some states, that is needed to fight the projected wave of coronavirus cases in the coming weeks. There are close to 22,000 new COVID-19 cases a day across the country.
1. Missouri
> Total population: 6,126,452
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.7 (total: 2,243)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 31.3 — 9th highest (total: 19,158)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 40.5% — 14th highest (total: 1,860,608)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/19/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 562 beds, 112 ICUs, 95 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 44.4 per 100,000 people — 24th highest (total: 2,722)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.9 per 100,000 people — 22nd lowest (total: 56)
2. Kansas
> Total population: 2,911,510
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.3 (total: 972)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 31.0 — 10th highest (total: 9,019)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 38.0% — 24th lowest (total: 807,193)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/19/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 466 beds, 94 ICUs, 80 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 29.3 per 100,000 people — 10th lowest (total: 853)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.9 per 100,000 people — 21st lowest (total: 25)
3. Tennessee
> Total population: 6,770,010
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.3 (total: 2,256)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 28.8 — 15th highest (total: 19,492)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 41.6% — 9th highest (total: 2,121,941)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/15/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,232 beds, 245 ICUs, 208 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 55.4 per 100,000 people — 21st highest (total: 3,753)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.0 per 100,000 people — 25th lowest (total: 65)
4. West Virginia
> Total population: 1,805,832
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.3 (total: 589)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 34.8 — 2nd highest (total: 6,276)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 49.3% — the highest (total: 689,770)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/16/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 719 beds, 126 ICUs, 107 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 19.1 per 100,000 people — 2nd lowest (total: 345)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.2 per 100,000 people — 2nd lowest (total: 04)
5. Louisiana
> Total population: 4,659,978
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.2 (total: 1,490)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 38.1 — the highest (total: 17,742)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 42.1% — 7th highest (total: 1,445,420)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/1/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,386 beds, 337 ICUs, 286 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 319.0 per 100,000 people — 3rd highest (total: 14,867)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 11.0 per 100,000 people — 3rd highest (total: 512)
6. Alabama
> Total population: 4,887,871
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.2 (total: 1,559)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 30.6 — 11th highest (total: 14,958)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 43.1% — 4th highest (total: 1,588,905)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/18/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 2,052 beds, 400 ICUs, 340 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 41.0 per 100,000 people — 23rd lowest (total: 2,006)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.1 per 100,000 people — 24th highest (total: 53)
7. Nevada
> Total population: 3,034,392
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.1 (total: 948)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 24.8 — 25th lowest (total: 7,511)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.1% — 14th lowest (total: 833,620)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/18/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 2,490 beds, 483 ICUs, 411 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 65.0 per 100,000 people — 18th highest (total: 1,971)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.9 per 100,000 people — 14th highest (total: 58)
8. Nebraska
> Total population: 1,929,268
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.1 (total: 601)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 29.2 — 13th highest (total: 5,639)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.6% — 20th lowest (total: 514,118)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/24/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 831 beds, 168 ICUs, 143 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 22.7 per 100,000 people — 3rd lowest (total: 438)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.5 per 100,000 people — 8th lowest (total: 10)
9. Oklahoma
> Total population: 3,943,079
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.1 (total: 1,225)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 32.9 — 5th highest (total: 12,967)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 40.8% — 13th highest (total: 1,175,713)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/22/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,391 beds, 282 ICUs, 240 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 33.7 per 100,000 people — 17th lowest (total: 1,327)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.3 per 100,000 people — 20th highest (total: 51)
10. Colorado
> Total population: 5,695,564
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.1 (total: 1,764)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 19.4 — 9th lowest (total: 11,059)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 31.3% — 2nd lowest (total: 1,345,398)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/4/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 764 beds, 133 ICUs, 113 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 90.8 per 100,000 people — 11th highest (total: 5,172)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 2.6 per 100,000 people — 10th highest (total: 150)
11. Kentucky
> Total population: 4,468,402
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 3.0 (total: 1,359)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 32.2 — 6th highest (total: 14,371)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 43.6% — 2nd highest (total: 1,455,749)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/21/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 2,593 beds, 503 ICUs, 428 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 23.7 per 100,000 people — 4th lowest (total: 1,057)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.2 per 100,000 people — 23rd highest (total: 52)
12. North Dakota
> Total population: 760,077
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.9 (total: 224)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 33.9 — 4th highest (total: 2,578)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 34.6% — 8th lowest (total: 194,056)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/17/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 928 beds, 188 ICUs, 160 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 29.6 per 100,000 people — 11th lowest (total: 225)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.4 per 100,000 people — 5th lowest (total: 03)
13. Indiana
> Total population: 6,691,878
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.9 (total: 1,946)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 26.5 — 21st highest (total: 17,728)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.9% — 16th highest (total: 1,976,552)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/17/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 4,441 beds, 865 ICUs, 735 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 74.1 per 100,000 people — 14th highest (total: 4,956)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 2.1 per 100,000 people — 13th highest (total: 141)
14. Pennsylvania
> Total population: 12,807,060
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.9 (total: 3,704)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 30.1 — 12th highest (total: 38,566)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.8% — 17th highest (total: 3,898,304)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/11/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,715 beds, 314 ICUs, 267 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 102.1 per 100,000 people — 9th highest (total: 13,074)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.3 per 100,000 people — 19th highest (total: 169)
15. Delaware
> Total population: 967,171
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.9 (total: 279)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 29.1 — 14th highest (total: 2,813)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 41.3% — 11th highest (total: 305,395)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/5/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 127 beds, 24 ICUs, 21 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 81.0 per 100,000 people — 13th highest (total: 783)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.6 per 100,000 people — 16th highest (total: 15)
16. Wisconsin
> Total population: 5,813,568
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.7 (total: 1,549)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 22.9 — 18th lowest (total: 13,326)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.5% — 19th lowest (total: 1,612,619)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/17/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,514 beds, 302 ICUs, 257 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 42.0 per 100,000 people — 25th lowest (total: 2,440)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.4 per 100,000 people — 18th highest (total: 83)
17. Mississippi
> Total population: 2,986,530
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.6 (total: 791)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 34.6 — 3rd highest (total: 10,324)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 42.5% — 5th highest (total: 929,387)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/18/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 398 beds, 81 ICUs, 69 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 58.2 per 100,000 people — 20th highest (total: 1,738)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.7 per 100,000 people — 15th highest (total: 51)
18. Florida
> Total population: 21,299,325
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.6 (total: 5,534)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 26.9 — 20th highest (total: 57,344)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 42.1% — 7th highest (total: 7,018,513)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/21/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 13,168 beds, 2,464 ICUs, 2,095 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 64.0 per 100,000 people — 19th highest (total: 13,621)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.2 per 100,000 people — 22nd highest (total: 253)
19. Arkansas
> Total population: 3,013,825
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.6 (total: 779)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 32.0 — 7th highest (total: 9,635)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 43.5% — 3rd highest (total: 971,477)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/24/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 500 beds, 102 ICUs, 86 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 30.8 per 100,000 people — 14th lowest (total: 927)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.5 per 100,000 people — 9th lowest (total: 16)
20. Montana
> Total population: 1,062,305
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.6 (total: 272)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 27.8 — 17th highest (total: 2,955)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.0% — 24th highest (total: 317,546)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/13/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 45 beds, 08 ICUs, 07 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 30.0 per 100,000 people — 13th lowest (total: 319)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.6 per 100,000 people — 13th lowest (total: 06)
21. Illinois
> Total population: 12,741,080
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.5 (total: 3,243)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 26.2 — 22nd highest (total: 33,379)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.2% — 17th lowest (total: 3,482,300)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/16/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 9,255 beds, 1,853 ICUs, 1,575 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 96.2 per 100,000 people — 10th highest (total: 12,262)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 2.4 per 100,000 people — 12th highest (total: 309)
22. Georgia
> Total population: 10,519,475
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.5 (total: 2,648)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 21.8 — 15th lowest (total: 22,974)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.2% — 17th lowest (total: 2,803,400)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/20/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 6,824 beds, 1,332 ICUs, 1,133 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 71.8 per 100,000 people — 15th highest (total: 7,558)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 2.8 per 100,000 people — 9th highest (total: 294)
23. Ohio
> Total population: 11,689,442
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.5 (total: 2,934)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 28.6 — 16th highest (total: 33,389)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.8% — 17th highest (total: 3,506,796)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/8/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,372 beds, 262 ICUs, 223 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 38.1 per 100,000 people — 22nd lowest (total: 4,450)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.2 per 100,000 people — 21st highest (total: 142)
24. Texas
> Total population: 28,701,845
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.5 (total: 7,162)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 23.5 — 21st lowest (total: 67,581)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 34.8% — 9th lowest (total: 7,199,553)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/19/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 3,682 beds, 712 ICUs, 605 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 28.3 per 100,000 people — 9th lowest (total: 8,115)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.6 per 100,000 people — 12th lowest (total: 160)
25. Rhode Island
> Total population: 1,057,315
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.4 (total: 258)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 27.8 — 18th highest (total: 2,941)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 38.3% — 25th lowest (total: 312,092)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/27/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,649 beds, 334 ICUs, 284 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 102.3 per 100,000 people — 8th highest (total: 1,082)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 2.6 per 100,000 people — 11th highest (total: 27)
26. Michigan
> Total population: 9,995,915
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.3 (total: 2,347)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 25.1 — 24th highest (total: 25,066)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 41.2% — 12th highest (total: 3,152,031)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/8/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 8,674 beds, 1,652 ICUs, 1,404 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 171.4 per 100,000 people — 6th highest (total: 17,130)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 7.3 per 100,000 people — 4th highest (total: 727)
27. South Carolina
> Total population: 5,084,127
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.3 (total: 1,159)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 25.0 — 25th highest (total: 12,689)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 41.4% — 10th highest (total: 1,590,048)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/24/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 692 beds, 140 ICUs, 119 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 43.9 per 100,000 people — 25th highest (total: 2,232)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.9 per 100,000 people — 24th lowest (total: 48)
28. North Carolina
> Total population: 10,383,620
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.3 (total: 2,347)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 23.3 — 20th lowest (total: 24,148)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.0% — 24th highest (total: 3,038,856)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/13/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,361 beds, 258 ICUs, 219 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 27.6 per 100,000 people — 8th lowest (total: 2,870)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.4 per 100,000 people — 4th lowest (total: 40)
29. California
> Total population: 39,557,045
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.2 (total: 8,664)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 19.2 — 7th lowest (total: 75,822)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 33.3% — 4th lowest (total: 9,952,647)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/14/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 4,869 beds, 798 ICUs, 678 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 41.2 per 100,000 people — 24th lowest (total: 16,284)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.0 per 100,000 people — 25th highest (total: 386)
30. Virginia
> Total population: 8,517,685
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 1,827)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 19.4 — 8th lowest (total: 16,538)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 35.9% — 12th lowest (total: 2,275,390)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/20/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 2,854 beds, 560 ICUs, 476 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 33.8 per 100,000 people — 18th lowest (total: 2,878)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.6 per 100,000 people — 15th lowest (total: 54)
31. Arizona
> Total population: 7,171,646
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 1,522)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 22.0 — 16th lowest (total: 15,788)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.1% — 21st highest (total: 2,107,495)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/23/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 856 beds, 177 ICUs, 150 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 34.4 per 100,000 people — 19th lowest (total: 2,465)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.9 per 100,000 people — 23rd lowest (total: 67)
32. Idaho
> Total population: 1,754,208
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 372)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 18.8 — 5th lowest (total: 3,291)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.2% — 17th lowest (total: 464,522)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/14/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 151 beds, 31 ICUs, 26 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 66.7 per 100,000 people — 17th highest (total: 1,170)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.7 per 100,000 people — 18th lowest (total: 13)
33. Hawaii
> Total population: 1,420,491
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 301)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 18.9 — 6th lowest (total: 2,685)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.1% — 21st highest (total: 412,878)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/12/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 631 beds, 111 ICUs, 95 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 27.1 per 100,000 people — 7th lowest (total: 385)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.4 per 100,000 people — 3rd lowest (total: 05)
34. Maine
> Total population: 1,338,404
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 277)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 23.0 — 19th lowest (total: 3,073)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 42.5% — 5th highest (total: 451,409)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/15/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 277 beds, 55 ICUs, 46 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 37.3 per 100,000 people — 21st lowest (total: 499)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.7 per 100,000 people — 19th lowest (total: 10)
35. Minnesota
> Total population: 5,611,179
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 1,161)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 20.6 — 11th lowest (total: 11,586)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 33.9% — 5th lowest (total: 1,428,307)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/23/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,110 beds, 226 ICUs, 192 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 17.6 per 100,000 people — the lowest (total: 986)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.5 per 100,000 people — 10th lowest (total: 30)
36. Oregon
> Total population: 4,190,713
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.1 (total: 863)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 16.8 — the lowest (total: 7,035)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.8% — 17th highest (total: 1,297,341)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/21/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 227 beds, 47 ICUs, 40 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 27.0 per 100,000 people — 6th lowest (total: 1,132)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.7 per 100,000 people — 17th lowest (total: 29)
37. Washington
> Total population: 7,535,591
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.0 (total: 1,541)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 17.4 — 2nd lowest (total: 13,124)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 35.1% — 10th lowest (total: 2,013,681)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/2/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 972 beds, 185 ICUs, 157 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 111.3 per 100,000 people — 7th highest (total: 8,384)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 5.1 per 100,000 people — 6th highest (total: 383)
38. South Dakota
> Total population: 882,235
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.0 (total: 178)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 31.5 — 8th highest (total: 2,778)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 35.3% — 11th lowest (total: 226,086)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/25/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 374 beds, 73 ICUs, 62 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 32.6 per 100,000 people — 15th lowest (total: 288)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.5 per 100,000 people — 7th lowest (total: 04)
39. Connecticut
> Total population: 3,572,665
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 2.0 (total: 714)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 22.3 — 17th lowest (total: 7,965)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.0% — 13th lowest (total: 985,861)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/21/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 9,226 beds, 1,850 ICUs, 1,573 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 193.3 per 100,000 people — 5th highest (total: 6,906)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 5.8 per 100,000 people — 5th highest (total: 206)
40. New Jersey
> Total population: 8,908,520
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.9 (total: 1,664)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 24.3 — 24th lowest (total: 21,669)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 34.6% — 8th lowest (total: 2,354,252)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/15/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 24,702 beds, 4,992 ICUs, 4,242 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 461.2 per 100,000 people — 2nd highest (total: 41,090)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 11.3 per 100,000 people — 2nd highest (total: 1,005)
41. New Mexico
> Total population: 2,095,428
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.8 (total: 387)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 21.1 — 14th lowest (total: 4,412)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.4% — 20th highest (total: 619,893)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/21/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 1,218 beds, 247 ICUs, 210 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 32.7 per 100,000 people — 16th lowest (total: 686)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.6 per 100,000 people — 14th lowest (total: 12)
42. Wyoming
> Total population: 577,737
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.8 (total: 106)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 25.3 — 23rd highest (total: 1,463)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.4% — 18th lowest (total: 157,117)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/29/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 258 beds, 52 ICUs, 44 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 36.7 per 100,000 people — 20th lowest (total: 212)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.0 per 100,000 people — the lowest (total: 00)
43. Massachusetts
> Total population: 6,902,149
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.8 (total: 1,253)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 27.6 — 19th highest (total: 19,074)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 34.6% — 8th lowest (total: 1,837,581)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/18/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 13,256 beds, 3,022 ICUs, 2,569 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 200.5 per 100,000 people — 4th highest (total: 13,837)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 3.8 per 100,000 people — 7th highest (total: 260)
44. New York
> Total population: 19,542,209
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.8 (total: 3,492)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 24.2 — 23rd lowest (total: 47,364)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.9% — 22nd lowest (total: 5,550,169)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/8/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 25,486 beds, 6,664 ICUs, 5,664 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 668.8 per 100,000 people — the highest (total: 130,703)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 24.3 per 100,000 people — the highest (total: 4,758)
45. New Hampshire
> Total population: 1,356,458
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.8 (total: 240)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 20.7 — 12th lowest (total: 2,802)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 40.5% — 14th highest (total: 428,938)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/15/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 84 beds, 15 ICUs, 13 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 52.7 per 100,000 people — 23rd highest (total: 715)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.7 per 100,000 people — 16th lowest (total: 09)
46. Iowa
> Total population: 3,156,145
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.7 (total: 534)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 24.1 — 22nd lowest (total: 7,617)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 36.9% — 22nd lowest (total: 862,351)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/26/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 726 beds, 150 ICUs, 127 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 30.0 per 100,000 people — 12th lowest (total: 946)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.8 per 100,000 people — 20th lowest (total: 25)
47. Utah
> Total population: 3,161,105
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.6 (total: 513)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 18.2 — 4th lowest (total: 5,766)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 30.0% — the lowest (total: 657,278)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/25/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 329 beds, 66 ICUs, 56 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 53.0 per 100,000 people — 22nd highest (total: 1,675)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.4 per 100,000 people — 6th lowest (total: 13)
48. Maryland
> Total population: 6,042,718
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.6 (total: 972)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 21.0 — 13th lowest (total: 12,695)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 37.1% — 23rd lowest (total: 1,690,631)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/18/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 6,443 beds, 1,224 ICUs, 1,040 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 66.9 per 100,000 people — 16th highest (total: 4,045)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 1.5 per 100,000 people — 17th highest (total: 92)
49. Alaska
> Total population: 737,438
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.6 (total: 116)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 19.6 — 10th lowest (total: 1,447)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 32.8% — 3rd lowest (total: 172,913)
> Projected peak resource use date: 4/17/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 780 beds, 154 ICUs, 131 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 25.6 per 100,000 people — 5th lowest (total: 189)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 0.5 per 100,000 people — 11th lowest (total: 04)
50. Vermont
> Total population: 626,299
> Number of ICU beds per 10,000 people: 1.1 (total: 69)
> Hospital beds per 10,000 people: 18.1 — 3rd lowest (total: 1,135)
> Adults at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: 39.1% — 21st highest (total: 191,781)
> Projected peak resource use date: 3/23/2020
> Beds, ICUs, and ventilator needed on peak date: 69 beds, 13 ICUs, 11 ventilators
> Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of 4/6/2020: 86.7 per 100,000 people — 12th highest (total: 543)
> Confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of 4/6/2020: 3.7 per 100,000 people — 8th highest (total: 23)
Methodology
To determine the states with the most and least ICU beds, 24/7 Tempo reviewed processed records from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services compiled by Dr. Adam Sacarny of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The data is based on the most recent Healthcare Cost Report filings from each health care provider from 2016 to 2019 and was aggregated from the hospital to the state level. The data was adjusted for population using one-year figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey. Data on all hospital beds also came from Dr. Sacarny and were compiled and adjusted for population using the same method.
Data on the percentage of adults 18 and over at risk of serious illness if infected with coronavirus — which represents the share of adults who report being told by a doctor at some point that they have at least one of the listed conditions: heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease — came from the March 2020 report “How Many Adults Are at Risk of Serious Illness If Infected with Coronavirus?” published by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit health care policy organization.
Data on the expected peak use of resources, is based on projections by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation of the University of Washington in Seattle. Data on the projected number of ICU beds and ventilators needed on the peak resource use date also came from the IMHE. ICU beds are included in the count of hospital beds. Data on confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths came from The New York Times and are as of Apr. 6, 2020.