What are some of the worst places to retire in the U.S.? A new study from WalletHub compared the 50 states across 46 key indicators, from tax rates and the cost of living to access to quality medical care and fun activities to find the the least desirable places to retire.
As you think about where you want to retire, you might want to choose a place that offers a healthy and happy retreat from the day-to-day grind. Or, maybe just somewhere to live comfortably with easy access to quality healthcare and lower housing costs.
But unlike the companion Best Places to Retire in the U.S., these ten worst places to retire in 2024 generally have higher taxes and crime rates, and inadequate healthcare facilities. So, before you hand in your change of address card, consider carefully where you want to live (or don't want to live) before you move on.
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Bottom 10 places to retire in 2024
What are the worst states to retire to? We've highlighted the bottom 10.
| Rank | State | Total Score* | Affordability | Quality of Life | Healthcare |
| 41 | Illinois | 47 | 47 | 16 | 26 |
| 42 | Arkansas | 47 | 13 | 49 | 42 |
| 43 | Washington | 47 | 45 | 17 | 27 |
| 44 | New York | 47 | 50 | 10 | 12 |
| 45 | Louisiana | 46 | 16 | 46 | 47 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | 46 | 17 | 47 | 45 |
| 47 | Rhode Island | 45 | 42 | 42 | 23 |
| 48 | Mississippi | 44 | 12 | 50 | 48 |
| 49 | New Jersey | 44 | 49 | 35 | 20 |
| 50 | Kentucky | 43 | 32 | 41 | 44 |
*Rounded up or down. A rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.
The worst 5 states to retire
Kentucky
Although Kentucky is known for its horse racing, bourbon, bluegrass music and southern hospitality, the state is prone to various natural disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Kentucky can also be pretty humid in the summertime, attracting pesky bugs. Mosquitoes are common throughout the state and can be a nuisance when you are outdoors. Plus, quality healthcare is hard to get, as Kentucky comes in at #40 (out of 50). Even so, the cost of living in Kentucky is 17.7% lower than the U.S. average and a typical home costs around $195,000, which is 42.5% less expensive than the national average.
New Jersey
The cost of living in New Jersey is 19.8% higher than the U.S. average, which can make it more difficult to live in the state on a fixed income. A typical home costs $432,100, which is 27.8% more expensive than the national average, and the state is known for its subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold winters. However, the state offers a wide range of medical facilities, so you can access the care you need close to home. Plus, the cost of that quality healthcare is less than the U.S. average.
Mississippi
Mississippi is home to vibrant cities and wide expanses of natural beauty. It also offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation or just enjoying a slower pace of life. The cost of living is 21.3% lower than the U.S. average, and the average home will only set you back $155,300, which is 54.1% less expensive than the national average. If you like a tepid climate, then Mississippi may be the best place to retire — it has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild to warm winters. But crime is high and quality healthcare is harder to come by than in most other states.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers beaches and scenic beauty, but the cost of living is high — 12.5% higher than the U.S. average. Buying a home in Rhode Island can put a strain on your budget and set you back an average of $401,200, which is 18.7% more expensive than the national average of $338,100. Taxes are also higher, although sales tax is lower than in many places in the U.S. (Read our Rhode Island State Tax Guide). Healthcare is rated high, but the state has fewer hospitals and healthcare facilities compared to larger states. If you drive, get ready to be stuck in traffic no matter the time of day.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma skyscape goes on for miles and miles in every direction, and you can find cowboy towns mixed with modernity from advances made in the oil industry. The cost of living in Oklahoma is 17.8% lower than the U.S. average, and the median home price is around $174,600, which is significantly lower than the national average. Groceries also tend to be particularly low when compared to other states. Healthcare is rated good, but comes at a cost — about 14% higher than the national average. Oklahoma is also known for its severe weather, particularly tornadoes, and public transportation is lacking in most areas.
The next 15 worst states to retire to
Of the ten worst states to retire in, Kentucky holds the unfortunate distinction of being No. 1, followed by New Jersey, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New York, Washington, Arkansas and Illinois.
Although each of these states has its redeeming qualities, these next 15 states also represent a less-than-ideal place to live for retirees in 2024.
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Georgia
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Nevada
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Vermont
- Oregon
- Maryland
- Tennesee
- West Virginia
It's likely there is no one perfect place to retire that matches all of your needs. If that were the case, choosing an area of the country would be simple. To find the best place that makes sense for you, carefully consider various factors such as your health, ideal climate, finances and how you plan to spend your well-earned free time.
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