Best States for Retirees 2026: All 50 Ranked
Which states are best for retirees? Custom-weighted rankings based on health, fiscal health, affordability, and more.
Top 10 states for retirees
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.
New Hampshire leads the retirees rankings with a persona-weighted score of 67.3/100. Vermont (66.8) and Maine (66.5) round out the top three.
The gap between #1 and #10 is 3.9 points. What separates these states from the rest is consistent strength across the categories that matter most for retirees: health, fiscal health, affordability.
| Rank | State | Retirees Score | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Hampshire | 67.3 | 100.0 | 63.1 | 44.3 |
| #2 | Vermont | 66.8 | 95.9 | 51.1 | 54.4 |
| #3 | Maine | 66.5 | 79.6 | 57.0 | 56.9 |
| #4 | South Dakota | 64.9 | 53.1 | 76.3 | 84.5 |
| #5 | Utah | 64.8 | 91.8 | 71.4 | 65.0 |
| #6 | Nebraska | 64.7 | 71.4 | 71.4 | 82.8 |
| #7 | North Dakota | 64.5 | 65.3 | 69.8 | 84.7 |
| #8 | Minnesota | 64.4 | 89.8 | 59.2 | 62.9 |
| #9 | Wyoming | 64.1 | 46.9 | 79.4 | 72.4 |
| #10 | Idaho | 63.4 | 55.1 | 71.0 | 73.4 |
#1: New Hampshire
New Hampshire leads the retirees rankings with a weighted score of 67.3/100. The state scores 100.0 in health, 63.1 in fiscal health, 44.3 in affordability. Overall rank: #1 (86.6/100, A+ grade). Median income: $97,880. Cost of living: 105.
New Hampshire's weakest area for this ranking is transportation at 35.9, but the weights for retirees put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2.8%. Violent crime: 110/100K. Life expectancy: 79.2 years.
#2: Vermont
Vermont scores 66.8/100 for retirees, with strength in health (95.9) and fiscal health (51.1). The state ranks #4 overall and offers a cost of living index of 97 with $388,000 median homes.
Vermont's weakest area for this ranking is growth at 30.2, but the weights for retirees put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2.7%. Violent crime: 208/100K. Life expectancy: 79.4 years.
#3: Maine
Maine scores 66.5/100 for retirees, with strength in health (79.6) and fiscal health (57.0). The state ranks #7 overall and offers a cost of living index of 97 with $381,000 median homes.
Maine's weakest area for this ranking is transportation at 40.8, but the weights for retirees put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 100/100K. Life expectancy: 78.7 years.
#4: South Dakota
At #4, South Dakota scores 64.9/100. Health: 53.1. Fiscal Health: 76.3. Affordability: 84.5. Overall rank: #3. The state's education score of 89.8 is a standout.
South Dakota's weakest area for this ranking is outdoor access at 45.8, but the weights for retirees put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2%. Violent crime: 330/100K. Life expectancy: 78.5 years.
#5: Utah
At #5, Utah scores 64.8/100. Health: 91.8. Fiscal Health: 71.4. Affordability: 65.0. Overall rank: #2. The state's education score of 93.9 is a standout.
Utah's weakest area for this ranking is livability at 22.6, but the weights for retirees put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 228/100K. Life expectancy: 79.4 years.
How these rankings differ from overall rankings
Our overall state rankings weight all categories equally. Retirees rankings shift the emphasis to what this group cares about most: fiscal health (20%), health (20%), affordability (18%). Categories like education and growth carry zero weight.
This means a state can rank poorly overall but well for retirees if its strengths align with the weighted categories. New Hampshire ranks #1 overall but #1 for retirees — in this case, both rankings agree.
States to avoid for retirees
The bottom of the retirees rankings: Louisiana (35.3), Arkansas (39.2), Mississippi (40.9). Lower scores in health and fiscal health are the primary reasons.
Louisiana scores 35.3/100 with health at 0.0, fiscal health at 43.1, affordability at 90.8. These aren't necessarily bad states — they just don't align well with what retirees prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state for retirees in 2026?
New Hampshire ranks #1 with a retirees score of 67.3/100, driven by strong health, fiscal health, affordability scores.
Q:What categories matter most for retirees?
The top-weighted categories are Fiscal Health (20%), Health (20%), Affordability (18%).
Q:How do retirees rankings differ from overall rankings?
Retirees rankings emphasize health, fiscal health, affordability while de-weighting categories less relevant to this lifestyle.
Q:Which state ranks worst for retirees?
Mississippi ranks last with a score of 40.9/100, primarily due to low health and fiscal health scores.