Navigating life after military service presents unique challenges for veterans, with their experiences varying widely across the United States.
Some states offer robust support systems, thriving job markets, and vibrant communities, making it easier for veterans to transition and flourish.
Conversely, other regions struggle to provide the necessary resources, leading to difficulties in employment, healthcare, and social integration.
This article explores the best and worst states for veterans, highlighting where they can find the support they need to thrive and the obstacles they may face in less accommodating environments.
By understanding these dynamics, veterans and their families can make informed decisions about where to settle and seek assistance, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
1. Alaska
Veterans in Alaska experience an unemployment rate of 4.3%. The annual income after housing costs is around $36,831. Access to VA facilities also remains moderate, with about 2.89 facilities available per 10,000 veterans.
2. South Dakota
In South Dakota, veterans enjoy a low unemployment rate of 2.43%. After housing expenses, the average veteran income is approximately $30,230. The state provides a solid infrastructure with 3.9 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
3. Wyoming
Wyoming boasts an unemployment rate of 3.67% for veterans. Income after housing stands at about $31,010. The state also ranks well with 4.23 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans.
4. Nebraska
Nebraska shines as a veteran-friendly state with an excellent unemployment rate of just 1.91%. Veterans report an average income of $30,568 after housing. The ratio of 1.49 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans indicates good access.
5. North Dakota
Veterans in North Dakota face an unemployment rate of 3.33%. Their income after housing averages $36,534, which is relatively high. The state provides about 2.85 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
6. Maine
Maine struggles with a veteran unemployment rate of 4.9%. The average veteran income after housing is $25,821. With 1.99 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans, access to services can be limited.
7. Montana
Montana’s veteran unemployment rate is 4.62%, with income after housing averaging $25,746. The availability of 2.83 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans provides some level of support.
8. South Carolina
South Carolina shows a veteran unemployment rate of 4.45%. After housing costs, veterans make about $27,720. However, access to VA facilities is a concern, with only 0.85 facilities per 10,000 veterans.
9. Virginia
Veterans in Virginia encounter a 3.98% unemployment rate. Their income after housing costs is approximately $36,714. The availability of 0.78 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans highlights the need for improvement in service access.
10. Alabama
Alabama has a veteran unemployment rate of 4.49%. The average income after housing stands at $29,025. At 0.95 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans, support services are somewhat limited.
11. Delaware
In Delaware, the unemployment rate for veterans is about 3.81%. After paying for housing, veterans earn around $27,406. There are 1.10 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans available.
12. New Hampshire
New Hampshire features a veteran unemployment rate of 4.09%. The income after housing for veterans is around $25,317. Approximately 1.31 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans are accessible.
13. New Mexico
New Mexico has a veteran unemployment rate of 4.73%. Income after housing costs comes to about $27,726. It shares an access ratio of 1.54 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans, similar to New Hampshire.
14. Vermont
Vermont’s unemployment rate for veterans stands at 2.42%. After housing, veterans make on average $22,253. The state provides 2.82 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans, indicating decent access.
15. Iowa
In Iowa, the veteran unemployment rate is 3.82%. The average income after housing is roughly $26,814. Veterans can find 1.19 VA facilities per 10,000 individuals.
16. Maryland
Maryland shows a veteran unemployment rate of 3.96%. After housing expenses, veterans typically earn about $35,053. The state has around 1.15 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans.
17. Hawaii
In Hawaii, veterans face a low unemployment rate of 2.41%. However, the income after housing is around $24,924. Access is reasonable, with 2.46 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
18. West Virginia
West Virginia has a higher veteran unemployment rate of 6.2%. Average income after housing costs is approximately $26,361. The state provides 2.03 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
19. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s unemployment rate for veterans is 4.77%. Income after housing is around $28,475. There are about 1.10 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans.
20. Colorado
Colorado reports a veteran unemployment rate of 5.23%. The average income after housing amounts to $27,797. Access to VA facilities is decent with approximately 1.06 per 10,000 veterans.
21. Kentucky
In Kentucky, the unemployment rate stands at 4.7%. Income after housing costs is $25,658. There are about 1.31 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans, indicating moderate access.
22. Kansas
Kansas has a veteran unemployment rate of 5.66%. Average income after housing totals $27,365. The state provides around 1.55 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans.
23. Minnesota
Minnesota features an unemployment rate of 3.41%. After housing, the typical veteran income is $25,799. Access to VA facilities is lower, with just 0.73 available per 10,000 veterans.
24. North Carolina
North Carolina mirrors Minnesota with a veteran unemployment rate of 4.83%. The average income after housing is approximately $26,446. Like Minnesota, it also has 0.73 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
25. Arkansas
Arkansas reports a veteran unemployment rate of 5.10%. Income after housing averages $23,044. The state has about 1.24 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
26. Texas
In Texas, the unemployment rate stands at 4.78%. Average income after housing costs is around $29,253. Access remains limited with 0.79 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
27. Missouri
Missouri has a veteran unemployment rate of 5.04%. After housing, typical veteran income is about $24,586. There are approximately 1.27 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
28. Utah
Utah also reflects a veteran unemployment rate of 5.04%. Average income after housing is $28,837. The access level is reasonable with about 1.10 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
29. Washington
In Washington, the unemployment rate for veterans is 4.58%. After housing, the income is around $28,495. Access to support services is limited, with just 0.75 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
30. Louisiana
Louisiana struggles with a veteran unemployment rate of 6.63%. The average income after housing is about $27,214. It has 1.14 VA facilities available per 10,000 veterans.
31. Indiana
In Indiana, the veteran unemployment rate stands at 5.0%. Average income after housing is approximately $25,922. The state has 0.84 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
32. Idaho
Idaho faces a veteran unemployment rate of 6.44%. After housing, veterans earn around $24,992. Access to VA facilities is about 1.28 per 10,000 veterans.
33. Tennessee
Tennessee has a veteran unemployment rate of 5.62%. The income after housing stands at about $25,479. Access to VA facilities is 0.93 per 10,000 veterans.
34. Mississippi
In Mississippi, the veteran unemployment rate is 5.96%. Average income after housing totals $23,780. The state offers 1.18 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans.
35. Arizona
Arizona’s veteran unemployment rate is 5.01%. The average income after housing amounts to $25,401. Veterans can access approximately 0.98 VA facilities per 10,000.
36. Nevada
In Nevada, the unemployment rate is high at 7.67%. After housing, veterans earn around $27,294. Access to facilities is limited, with just 0.77 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
37. Georgia
Georgia has a veteran unemployment rate of 5.49%. The typical income after housing sits at about $26,359. VA facilities are limited, with 0.78 available per 10,000 veterans.
38. Connecticut
Veterans in Connecticut face a 5.44% unemployment rate. Income after housing costs averages $25,671. Access remains limited with approximately 0.88 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
39. Wisconsin
Wisconsin shows a veteran unemployment rate of 4.69%. Average income after housing totals around $24,463. The state maintains about 1.03 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
40. Ohio
In Ohio, the unemployment rate for veterans is 4.9%. After housing, income averages $25,063. Access to VA facilities is limited, with 0.74 available per 10,000 veterans.
41. Florida
Florida reports a higher veteran unemployment rate of 6.24%. The average income after housing is around $23,920. Access to VA facilities is about 0.79 per 10,000 veterans.
42. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s veteran unemployment rate stands at 5.42%. Average income after housing costs is roughly $24,171. The state features around 0.97 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
43. New York
In New York, the unemployment rate for veterans is 5.26%. Their average income after housing sits at $23,694. The state has approximately 1.25 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
44. Illinois
Illinois reports a veteran unemployment rate of 5.95%. After housing costs, average income is around $25,807. There are 1.06 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans available.
45. Oregon
Oregon faces a steep unemployment rate of 7.74%. The average income after housing totals about $22,379. Access to VA facilities remains moderate with 1.06 per 10,000 veterans.
46. Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s unemployment rate for veterans is 3.22%. Average income after housing is around $22,668. There are about 0.67 VA facilities for every 10,000 veterans.
47. Massachusetts
Veterans in Massachusetts face an unemployment rate of 6.94%. After housing costs, income averages $22,813. The state has 1.00 VA facility per 10,000 veterans.
48. New Jersey
In New Jersey, the veteran unemployment rate is 5.86%. The average income after housing totals $24,642. Availability of VA facilities is limited at 0.96 per 10,000 veterans.
49. California
California has a veteran unemployment rate of 6.75%. Average income after housing is approximately $24,987. The state provides about 0.85 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
50. Michigan
In Michigan, the veteran unemployment rate stands at 6.67%. After housing, veterans earn around $25,234. Access is limited with only 0.77 VA facilities per 10,000 veterans.
Alicia Richards