Choosing the right state to practice family medicine can impact career satisfaction, earning potential, and work‑life balance. Whether you're an early‑career family physician seeking to build a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The following list highlights the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for family physicians—blending salary potential, growth opportunities, and supportive health care infrastructure.

1. Wyoming – Among the highest average family medicine salary (~$303K), below‑average cost of living, no state income tax, and a primary‑care gap (health professional shortage area [HPSA] need ~23).

2. Mississippi – Top‑tier pay (~$292K) with community need (primary‑care HPSA need ~251) and relatively low price levels.

3. Arizona – High earnings (~$289K) plus opportunity in both metros and rural areas (primary‑care HPSA need ~493).

4. South Carolina – Strong pay (~$283K) and demand across markets (primary‑care HPSA need ~162).

5. Kentucky – High pay (~$282K) with sizable rural access gaps (primary‑care HPSA need ~305) and generally affordable living costs.

6. Wisconsin – Competitive pay (~$277K), moderate primary‑care need (~152), and solid state health‑system performance indicators.

7. Georgia – Above‑average pay (~$275K) and one of the nation’s larger unmet primary‑care needs (HPSA need ~586).

8. Iowa – High pay (~$274K) and primary‑care HPSA need ~162.

9. Tennessee – No state income tax, lower cost of living, and sustained demand (primary‑care HPSA need ~272).

10. Texas – No state income tax; primary‑care HPSA need ~916; average bureau of labor statistics‑tracked family medicine pay is lower (~$215K).

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2023), HRSA HPSA Quarterly Report (data as of Apr. 1, 2025), BEA Regional Price Parities, Tax Foundation, Commonwealth Fund State Scorecard, Health Guide USA Commentary, Kiplinger, Tax-Rates.org, Federal Register