Best Cities for Retirees in Washington
Washington ranks #17 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 66.7. Kirkland is its best city for retirees at 66.5.
- Washington, all states
- #17 of 50
- Population
- 92,621
Washington for Retirees: The Full Picture
Washington ranks #17 nationally for retirees, making it a middle-of-the-pack destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (64/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 8.61% help retirement savings go further. Notably, Washington levies no state income tax — a significant advantage for retirees drawing from pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Washington's health score of 68/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 78.4 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.61% of income. The absence of state income tax is a meaningful benefit for retirees living on fixed incomes. Property taxes run 0.88% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
At $591,879, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 64/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 26 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Kirkland | A+ | 66.5 | 70.3 | 86 | 94 | 24 | 92,621 |
| 2Redmond | A+ | 66.4 | 71.1 | 93 | 95 | 24 | 77,353 |
| 3Bellevue | A+ | 65.6 | 70.0 | 91 | 92 | 22 | 151,847 |
| 4Shoreline | A | 62.8 | 64.9 | 81 | 73 | 33 | 61,431 |
| 5Sammamish | A | 62.3 | 64.2 | 93 | 98 | 19 | 66,463 |
| 6Richland | B+ | 61.2 | 60.2 | 62 | 65 | 61 | 62,753 |
| 7Spokane Valley | B | 60.6 | 56.4 | 53 | 49 | 65 | 106,365 |
| 8Spokane | C+ | 57.4 | 53.8 | 52 | 45 | 68 | 230,293 |
| 9Renton | B+ | 57.3 | 59.1 | 76 | 69 | 39 | 105,317 |
| 10Seattle | B+ | 57.1 | 61.1 | 84 | 76 | 29 | 754,195 |
| 11Marysville | B+ | 56.9 | 58.8 | 60 | 71 | 43 | 73,002 |
| 12Lacey | B+ | 56.8 | 59.0 | 59 | 58 | 54 | 57,737 |
| 13Olympia | B | 56.0 | 58.1 | 62 | 50 | 56 | 55,951 |
| 14Vancouver | C+ | 55.5 | 54.3 | 50 | 57 | 54 | 195,300 |
| 15Auburn | B | 54.8 | 56.7 | 68 | 66 | 47 | 85,676 |
| 16Burien | C+ | 54.5 | 55.6 | 70 | 56 | 43 | 51,513 |
| 17Kennewick | C+ | 54.4 | 54.3 | 50 | 46 | 67 | 85,295 |
| 18Kent | B | 54.3 | 56.8 | 69 | 61 | 43 | 135,603 |
| 19Everett | B | 53.9 | 56.4 | 59 | 53 | 46 | 111,845 |
| 20Pasco | B | 52.8 | 56.2 | 51 | 54 | 67 | 79,575 |
| 21Federal Way | C+ | 52.5 | 53.8 | 67 | 54 | 46 | 99,493 |
| 22Bellingham | C+ | 51.7 | 53.8 | 67 | 35 | 50 | 93,438 |
| 23South Hill | C+ | 50.1 | 53.3 | 52 | 76 | 43 | 68,025 |
| 24Yakima | D | 47.1 | 47.7 | 42 | 37 | 74 | 96,961 |
| 25Tacoma | D | 46.7 | 47.7 | 48 | 55 | 51 | 222,758 |
| 26Lakewood | D | 46.5 | 47.9 | 41 | 48 | 53 | 62,937 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Washington for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington a good state for retirees?
Washington ranks #17 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 66.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Environment (73/100) and its weakest is Livability (34/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Washington?
Kirkland ranks #1 in Washington for retirees with a score of 66.5/100, followed by Redmond and Bellevue.
What factors are most important for retirees in Washington?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.