As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the landscape of retirement in the United States is shifting dramatically.
In 2023, over 59 million Americans are aged 65 and older, reflecting a significant increase of 33% since 2013.
This trend is particularly pronounced in states like Florida and Maine, where senior citizens make up over 21% of the population.
Understanding which states attract the most retirees is crucial for grasping the evolving demographics of the nation. Factors such as cost of living, climate, and amenities play pivotal roles in these decisions.
With projections indicating that by 2030, seniors could represent over 20% of the total U.S. population, it’s essential to explore the 21 states leading the way in retirement-aged residents.
1: Maine
Maine tops the list with 22.94% of its population aged 65 and older. The state is home to around 300,000 seniors, attracted by its rich culture, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities.
Despite its rising senior population, many face challenges like high living costs and limited access to healthcare, particularly outside urban areas.
2: Florida
Florida ranks as the second state with the most retirement-aged residents, boasting 24% of its population aged 65 and older.
With approximately 4.9 million seniors, the state attracts retirees due to its warm climate, no state income tax, and abundant retirement communities.
Top cities like Cape Coral and Clearwater cater to seniors’ needs, offering accessible amenities and a vibrant community life.
3: West Virginia
West Virginia ranks as the third state with a significant portion of retirement-aged residents, boasting 18.8% of its population aged 65 and older, which equates to around 344,719 seniors.
Despite its natural beauty and lower cost of living, West Virginia struggles with challenges such as high disability rates and limited access to healthcare.
Over 60% of seniors face disabilities, often affecting their quality of life. The state’s housing costs are low, but nearly 10% of seniors live in poverty, impacting their retirement experience.
4: Vermont
Vermont has around 21.5% of its population aged 65 and older, making it an appealing state for retirees. With stunning landscapes and charming towns, Vermont offers a healthy lifestyle, as only 25.5% of seniors are considered obese.
Also, 49.3% of older Vermonters eat fruit at least twice a day, promoting a nutritious diet.
5: Delaware
Delaware ranks fifth in the U.S. for retirement-aged residents, with 19.5% of its population aged 65 and older. The state offers a unique blend of low taxes, with no estate or inheritance taxes, making it financially appealing.
Delaware’s average retirement income for seniors is around $34,771, higher than the national average.
With pristine beaches and a vibrant community, retirees enjoy a lively lifestyle while benefiting from excellent healthcare access and social activities.
6: Montana
Montana features about 19.4% of its population aged 65 and older, translating to roughly 200,000 seniors.
The state boasts low property taxes and no sales tax, making it financially attractive. Many retirees appreciate Montana’s breathtaking parks, with 43 parks available per 100,000 residents, offering ample recreational activities.
Access to healthcare is enhanced by a high number of hospitals, ensuring seniors receive needed care.
7: Hawaii
Hawaii has around 245,955 residents aged 65 and older, making up 17.3% of its population. Seniors in Hawaii benefit from the longest life expectancy in the U.S. at 80.6 years.
With a high percentage of older adults experiencing low rates of depression and engaging in healthy lifestyles, Hawaii ranks among the healthiest states for retirees.
The state’s exceptional climate and low taxes add to its appeal, despite the high cost of living.
8: New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a senior population of approximately 227,984, accounting for 17% of the state’s total residents.
The state excels in healthcare, ranking fourth nationally, and features no state sales tax or income tax, making it financially attractive for retirees.
With a low poverty rate among seniors at just 5.5%, it offers a high quality of life despite its colder climate.
9: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania holds a senior population of approximately 2.5 million residents aged 65 and older, making up 18.7% of the state’s total population.
The state features a blend of urban environments like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, along with scenic rural areas. Seniors enjoy the lack of taxes on traditional retirement income like Social Security and pensions, promoting financial well-being.
Access to quality healthcare is significant, complemented by rich historical culture and outdoor activities.
10: South Carolina
South Carolina has a senior population of approximately 829,083, accounting for 16.7% of the state’s total residents. The state offers appealing features like warm weather, lower housing costs, and a variety of recreational activities.
Despite its benefits, about 33.8% of seniors report not exercising regularly, contributing to a growing obesity rate.
Access to healthcare remains a concern, with only 67 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, reflecting the state’s challenges in senior wellness.
11: Oregon
Oregon features a senior population of approximately 682,546 residents aged 65 and older, representing 16.7% of the state’s total population.
Older Oregonians stand out for their health-conscious habits, with 17.8% consuming three or more servings of vegetables daily and 41.1% eating two or more fruits.
Despite these healthy trends, about 19.2% struggle with depression, ranking fourth nationally. Access to health services remains crucial as the state’s older population seeks both physical and mental health supports.
12: Arizona
Arizona boasts about 13% of its population aged 65 and older, translating to over 900,000 seniors. Its warm climate and vibrant retirement communities attract many retirees seeking leisure and outdoor activities.
Despite a relatively low number of primary care physicians, residents appreciate access to various recreational options and health amenities tailored for their needs.
13: New Mexico
New Mexico’s senior population aged 65 and older stands at approximately 341,515, making up 16.3% of the state’s total residents.
Seniors in New Mexico face challenges, including low access to healthcare and high crime rates. Despite its warm desert climate, only 13% of households have retirement incomes, such as 401(k) plans or pensions.
The state ranks last in terms of retirement quality, with a poverty rate among seniors of 13%, impacting their financial stability and overall wellbeing.
14: Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a senior population of about 15.8%, with 194,000 residents aged 65 and older. The state excels in preventive health screenings, ranking first for cholesterol screenings at 98.4%.
Also, 79.2% of seniors have undergone colorectal cancer testing, surpassing the national average of 76.3%.
Despite high living costs and a 11% poverty rate among seniors, Rhode Island remains appealing for its healthcare access and vibrant community.
15: Michigan
Michigan’s senior population, age 65 and older, reaches approximately 1.6 million, representing 16.3% of the state’s total population.
The gender demographics show 44.4% male and 55.6% female seniors. Among these, 943,253 are aged 65 to 74, 471,583 fall between 75 to 84, and 206,108 are 85 and older.
Michigan is tied as the most affordable state for seniors, alongside Missouri, thanks to low housing and grocery costs.
The state’s seniors also boast a relatively low poverty rate. However, challenges remain, with 32.5% classified as obese, impacting health outcomes.
16: Connecticut
Connecticut has about 16.7% of its population aged 65 and older, translating to roughly 356,528 seniors. It benefits from a relatively high average retirement income of $35,383, which is approximately $5,000 above the national average.
Only 7.3% of seniors live below the poverty line, one of the lowest rates in the U.S. Also, 65.5% of older residents are vaccinated against the flu, showcasing a commitment to preventive health measures.
17: Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s senior population stands at approximately 924,695, making up 16% of its total population.
The state features a gender demographic of 45.2% male and 54.8% female seniors. About 57% of seniors fall between 65 to 74 years old, while 27% are aged 75 to 84, and 13.6% are 85 and older.
Wisconsin offers affordable housing and a low cost of living, contributing to its appeal as a retirement destination.
The state boasts a strong public health score, ranking 11th nationally in healthcare access, though it faces challenges with eighth-highest healthcare costs.
18: Iowa
Iowa has a senior population of about 513,312, making up 16.4% of the state’s total residents. It stands out for its affordable housing, ranked 7th nationally with a score of 92.
The low cost of living (11th) and decent healthcare access (23rd) contribute positively to retirement life, despite below-average scores for quality of life and weather.
19: Ohio
Ohio has a senior population of about 2.1 million residents aged 65 and older, representing 19% of its total population. The state has a gender demographic of 43.6% male and 56.4% female seniors.
Among them, 1.1 million are aged 65 to 74, 560,148 fall between 75 to 84, and 252,072 are 85 and older.
Seniors in Ohio enjoy lower housing costs compared to national averages; however, healthcare and transportation costs are higher.
Approximately 55% of Ohio retirees have a pension or 401(k) plan, which is better than many other states.
Despite these advantages, Ohio faces challenges with high smoking rates at 10.7% and obesity at 32.7% among older adults.
20: Alabama
Alabama has a senior population of approximately 783,832 residents aged 65 and older, making up 16.1% of the state’s total population.
Despite its warm climate and low taxes, Alabama ranks poorly in health metrics for seniors. Older adults report an average of 64 physically unhealthy days per month, the fourth highest in the U.S.
Also, 100% of residents experience frequent mental distress. Access to healthcare is concerning, with only 65 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents.
21: Wyoming
Wyoming has approximately 87,777 residents aged 65 and older, making up 17.1% of its total population. The state features a gender demographic of 47.5% male and 52.5% female seniors.
Many Wyoming seniors, about 52,876, are aged 65 to 74, while 25,287 are between 75 to 84, and 9,614 are 85 or older.
Despite its low cost of living and no taxes on retirement income, Wyoming faces healthcare challenges, with nearly a third of seniors lacking a personal doctor.
Alicia Richards