Go where the patients are — counties gaining or losing population

Given the nation’s demand for health care and shortage of doctors, finding patients should not be a problem for physicians — at least in theory. But there may be times when physicians hoping to locate a new office would like to know where the population is growing.

Or, if your practice is struggling, it might be time to move out of areas that are losing residents.

Health care economic analyst Trilliant Health published “2025 Trends Shaping the Health Economy,” with six sections and dozens of details about policies, demographics and practices that are good and bad influences across health care.

This slideshow presents 13 counties where the number of people is projected to grow or shrink the most, from 2025 to 2029. Trilliant Health compiled data from its national consumer database, and rated counties with populations of at least 20,000 people.

The reason is simple: “The uneven pace of change across markets will inevitably reshape health care demand,” the report said.

Spoiler alert: Look for growth in the South and Mountain West.