HIDA Learning Center

State Of Skilled Nursing Facilities

July 2025

At-a-glance for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs): median occupancy, operating margins and more. From the HIDA Learning Center

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SNF Median Occupancy (%), 2021–2024

Staff and resident at skilled nursing facility

Sources: MedPAC. Report To Congress. March, 2023. MedPAC. Report To Congress. March, 2024. MedPAC. Report To Congress. March, 2025

Operating Margins Tighten Amid Rising Labor Costs

45% of SNFs reported operating at a loss or negative margin in 2024

Source: AHCA. State Of The Nursing Home Sector. March, 2024

Occupancy On The Rise But Access Remains Limited

  • SNF demand is expected to increase as more than 20% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65 by 2030
  • Nearly 50% of nursing homes are limiting new admissions
  • 23% of SNFs turn away residents more than once a week due to:
    • Labor shortages
    • Rising costs
    • Government underfunding
42% of senior housing executives predict SNF occupancy rates will improve by 2026

Sources: AHCA. State Of The Nursing Home Sector. March, 2024. AHCA. NCAL. Report: Access To Nursing Home Care Is Worsening. August 22, 2024. 2024. Net Health. Skilled Nursing News. Skilled Nursing Outlook 2025. 2025. Weldon Cooper Center For Public Service. National 50-State Population Projections: 2030, 2040, 2050. July 22, 2024.

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