A recent analysis identifies Florida and Washington as top destinations for retirees, while Mississippi and Hawaii rank last due to high living costs, tax burdens, and healthcare access challenges. The findings reflect shifting economic realities shaping retirement decisions across the U.S.
- Florida leads in retiree suitability due to no state income tax and median home prices at $425,000
- Hawaii ranks last with median home prices over $1.1 million and a 9.8% income tax rate
- Washington scores high for healthcare access and has a 90% prescription drug coverage rate for seniors
- Mississippi has only 12.6 physicians per 10,000 residents, one of the lowest in the nation
- National median home price stands at $487,000, highlighting regional cost disparities
- Affordability, tax burden, and healthcare access are key determinants in retirement location decisions
Florida has emerged as the top state for retirees, scoring highly in affordability, low income and property taxes, and access to medical care. Median home prices in Florida are approximately $425,000, significantly below the national average of $487,000, while state income tax is absent. Additionally, Florida ranks in the top 10 nationally for primary care physician availability per capita, with 23.4 physicians per 10,000 residents. In contrast, Hawaii ranks lowest overall, with median home prices exceeding $1.1 million—over 130% above the national average—and a 9.8% state income tax rate, one of the highest in the country. The state also faces a critical shortage of healthcare providers, with only 11.2 doctors per 10,000 people, contributing to limited access to timely medical services. Washington ranks second for retirees, benefiting from a relatively flat tax structure, strong public health infrastructure, and moderate housing costs. Its median home value sits at $670,000, still below the national average despite rising demand. The state offers robust prescription drug coverage through its state-based program, covering 90% of essential medications for seniors. Mississippi, ranked last among all states, struggles with a combination of high poverty rates—20.4%—and underfunded public health systems. It has only 12.6 licensed physicians per 10,000 residents and lacks consistent long-term care facilities, particularly in rural areas. These factors compound financial strain on retirees with fixed incomes. The results underscore how regional disparities in cost of living, tax policy, and healthcare quality are increasingly influencing where retirees choose to settle, especially amid inflationary pressures and rising healthcare expenses.