Retirees are flocking to Wyoming, not Florida, census based study finds
The study, published in June 2025, shows a notable shift in how and where Americans are choosing to spend their post-work lives.
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Wyoming has seen the fastest growth in the retiree population in the past decade, followed closely by South Carolina and Idaho. Notably, neither Florida nor Arizona cracked the top 10 for fastest-growing retirement destinations.
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The new top 10 retirement states by growth:
Wyoming
South Carolina
Idaho
Maine
New Mexico
Connecticut
Hawaii
Mississippi
Delaware
Tennessee
Retirees seek nature, not neighbors
The findings signal a broader shift in retirement priorities. As Chip Lupo of WalletHub (a website that ranks the best cities and states for retirement) told USA TODAY, 'A generation ago, you just went to Florida. That whole line of thinking has changed dramatically.'
The report notes that today's retirees are 'moving to escape,' often opting for fewer neighbors and more nature. States with lower population densities and rich natural landscapes are becoming increasingly attractive, replacing the once-universal appeal of beaches and sunshine.
Florida, Arizona still lead in city rankings
While Florida and Arizona may have slipped in overall state growth, they remain powerhouses for retirement cities.
BizInsure's parallel ranking of the top 10 retirement-friendly cities, based on healthcare, affordability, and amenities, places Peoria, Arizona, at number one.
Top 10 retirement cities:
Peoria, Arizona
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Cape Coral, Florida
Chandler, Arizona
Henderson, Nevada
Reno, Nevada
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Surprise, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
Durham, North Carolina
Conflicting rankings add nuance
A different report by AARP, released in March, offers a contrasting view. Using similar Census data but focusing on people who moved specifically for retirement, AARP ranked Massachusetts as the most popular destination, surprisingly, given its high cost of living.
Florida followed at number two.
AARP's top retirement states:
Massachusetts
Florida
Illinois
Kentucky
North Carolina
Tennessee
Delaware
Vermont
New Mexico
Louisiana
Cost factor
Affordability remains central to retirement decisions. A GOBankingRates report found that West Virginia is the cheapest state to retire in 2025, requiring an estimated $712,913 in savings and $50,954 in annual expenses. In contrast, retiring in Hawaii could cost over $2.2 million.
Cheapest states to retire (2025):
West Virginia
Mississippi
Arkansas
Kansas
Kentucky
Most expensive:
Hawaii
California
Massachusetts
New York
Connecticut
Where retirees live alone
A separate report from Caring focused on the best states for seniors who live alone, a growing demographic now representing over a quarter of retirees. States like Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas scored highest based on healthcare access, safety, and affordability.
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