Wyoming Tops 2026 Best States to Retire Rankings

America's retirement landscape is getting a major makeover as more people reach their golden years and face tough choices about where to live.

The population of Americans age 65 and older hit 61.2 million in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. With retirees now living nearly two decades longer than previous generations, decisions about location matter more than ever.

Senior care company CareScout analyzed affordability, quality of life, and healthcare access across all 50 states to help future retirees make informed choices. The results reveal clear winners and losers in the race to attract older Americans.

Wyoming earned the top ranking thanks to zero personal income tax and strong health outcomes for seniors. The wide-open spaces and tax-free living offer financial breathing room when every dollar counts.

New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, and South Dakota rounded out the top five. New Hampshire stood out with no personal income tax and one of the highest average Social Security incomes in the nation, giving retirees more money to enjoy their hard-earned free time.

The bottom of the list tells a different story. New Jersey ranked as the worst state for retirement despite offering the highest average Social Security income in America. High living costs and steep income tax rates eat away at retirement savings faster than anywhere else.

Massachusetts and New York faced similar challenges with crushing tax burdens and expensive daily living. Alabama and Mississippi struggled for different reasons, with poor health outcomes among older adults and fewer recreational and cultural opportunities.

The Bright Side

This research gives future retirees something previous generations never had: clear data to plan their best life after work. Understanding which states offer the most value helps millions of Americans make confident choices about their futures.

The findings also highlight a growing trend of retirees prioritizing quality of life over proximity to family or familiar places. States that invest in healthcare access, keep taxes reasonable, and maintain strong communities are winning the competition for experienced, engaged residents.

Knowing where retirement dollars stretch furthest means more Americans can actually enjoy the decades they've worked so hard to reach.