Map Reveals the U.S. States Least Suitable for Retirement

With
inflation high
and
Social Security
covering only a minor part of what seniors ultimately spend during their retirement years.
retirement
is no longer the guaranteed financial truth it once was.

For many decades, elderly individuals depended on pensions; however, nowadays, they frequently must plan their retirement funds carefully to ensure financial security throughout their later life stages.

However, certain states offer more advantages for retirees, as indicated by a recent analysis conducted by SellMyTimeshareNow.com. This evaluation took into account various critical elements such as median income levels, typical monthly real estate expenses, incidence of criminal activity, and healthcare expenditures. The findings from this examination positioned all fifty states accordingly, highlighting those particularly challenging for retired individuals.

Mississippi has been named the least favorable state for retirees, primarily because it boasts some of the highest crime rates along with the smallest average wage of $45,180. This minimal earnings can make it difficult for elderly individuals to set aside funds for their later years and simultaneously exposes them to greater criminal activity.

Following Alabama on the list showed it with just a marginally higher mean income of $50,620 along with a crime rate standing at 3,127 incidents for every 100,000 inhabitants. Additionally, annual medical expenses averaged around $9,280.

Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder/CEO of 9i Capital Group, stated, “The Southern states typically exhibit greater poverty rates because their median income tends to be lower.”

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Most of these states have a larger proportion of residents depending on government programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.

Third on the list was Idaho, where retirees faced particularly challenging conditions largely because of escalating housing costs, as highlighted in the report. Individuals relying on set income might struggle even more to manage a comfortable retirement within the state.

The lowest-ranked states for retirement included Iowa and Arkansas, where both experienced relatively low average annual incomes. In Iowa, residents faced notably high property taxes, whereas Arkansas stood out with a substantial overall crime rate of 3,428 incidents per 100,000 individuals.

Florida, often seen as the ultimate destination for retirees, didn’t make it into either the top 10 or bottom 10 spots within the market rankings.

Best States to Retire

Although many areas in the South presented a less welcoming climate for retirees, several states performed more favorably in the rankings.

Alaska topped the list as the most favorable place for retirees, boasting an average wage of $66,120, which is notably above the nationwide average. Additionally, the state does not impose an income tax, and elderly residents can enjoy low property taxes on their residences.

New York and Colorado followed closely behind as the second and third top choices for retirement.

The residents of New York City earned an average income of $74,870 annually, making it the highest across the country. This led to greater pension funds for elderly citizens. Additionally, these individuals experienced a reduced overall crime rate of merely 1,747 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Thompson mentioned that both Alaska and New York’s top rankings were unexpected, considering their weather conditions and expenses. He stated, “It’s rather startling to see New York so highly rated since most individuals typically move away from the state seeking more affordable places such as Florida with its milder temperatures.” Thompson also noted, “Similarly, Alaska stands out because despite being geographically isolated which drives up daily costs significantly, it still manages to score well.”

Nevertheless, individuals who are saving for retirement might find it more beneficial to opt for states with higher wages. As noted by Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, “Although we frequently hear that Southeastern U.S. states offer an ideal environment for retirees due to their affordable cost of living, the income levels in these areas do not necessarily provide sufficient earnings to ensure a secure retirement.”

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States such as New York might have a greater expense for daily living; however, they often offer better-paying jobs which could lead to a more substantial savings account for your retirement.

Coming in at third place, Colorado boasted a substantial mean income of $67,870 along with comparatively lower criminal activity rates. The state’s mountainous terrain and numerous leisure activities might particularly appeal to older residents as well.

Both Washington and Oregon scored well with regard to their above-average salary levels and relatively low crime rates. Additionally, these states offered median housing and healthcare expenses, making retirement more manageable for seniors.

An expert from SellMyTimeshareNow.com stated, “Planning for retirement encompasses numerous elements apart from the amount a family manages to set aside.” They further explained, “The cost of living, medical expenditures, and safety levels play crucial roles in determining where retirees decide to live. Locations that boast elevated median incomes alongside reduced tax burdens can ensure a more pleasant post-retirement life; however, it’s vital to weigh these aspects against day-to-day living costs and individual inclinations.”

Beene stated that for many retirees, their anticipated expenditures during retirement will significantly influence the decision of where to reside.

Should you aim to minimize expenses, chances are that earnings in Mississippi and Alabama could yield a reasonable saving ratio for your retirement due to reduced costs in these areas,” Beene stated. “Nevertheless, if you wish to sustain the lifestyle you presently have, it might be wise to reassess both your strategy and possibly even where you live.


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