Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Aug 31
WalletHub Ranks Wyoming No. 1 for Retirement, Kentucky Last Across 50 States
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · Aug 31

WalletHub Ranks Wyoming No. 1 for Retirement, Kentucky Last Across 50 States

3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Aug 31

Summary

  • Wyoming narrowly beat Florida for WalletHub’s top retirement spot in 2026, while Kentucky ranked last among all 50 states.
  • 46 metrics across affordability, quality of life and healthcare drove the ranking, using data from the Census Bureau, FBI, BLS and CDC.
  • Wyoming placed first in affordability, sixth in quality of life and 33rd in healthcare; WalletHub also cited its 10th-strongest elder-abuse protections, fifth-lowest violent crime rate and seventh-lowest senior poverty rate.
  • Florida finished second with the best quality-of-life score and No. 2 affordability, but weaker healthcare at 27th kept it behind Wyoming.
  • Kentucky’s bottom finish reflected broad weakness rather than one category alone, ranking 34th in affordability, 42nd in quality of life and 47th in healthcare.

Insights

Could the hidden costs of harsh winters and rural healthcare access secretly ruin a dream retirement in America's new top-ranked state?
Why might leaving family behind for a cheaper state actually cost retirees more in mental health and out-of-pocket caregiving expenses?
What overlooked financial traps await seniors moving to tax-free states when long-term care and estate recovery laws finally kick in?