By South Carolina
ReutersWyoming leads U.S. retirement growth, based on a decade of Census data analyzed by BizInsure.
A new analysis by online insurance platform BizInsure, based on a decade of US Census Bureau data (2013鈥2023), reveals that Wyoming has attracted retirees at a faster rate than any other state between 2013 and 2023, defying conventional wisdom that places Florida and Arizona at the top of retirement wish lists. The study, published in June 2025, shows a notable shift in how and where Americans are choosing to spend their post-work lives.Also Read: Why summer arrives when Earth is farthest from the Sun: the Aphelion paradoxWyoming 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.Live EventsThe new top 10 retirement states by growth:WyomingSouth CarolinaIdahoMaineNew MexicoConnecticutHawaiiMississippiDelawareTennesseeRetirees seek nature, not neighborsThe 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, 鈥淎 generation ago, you just went to Florida. That whole line of thinking has changed dramatically.鈥漈he report notes that today鈥檚 retirees are 鈥渕oving to escape,鈥 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 rankingsWhile 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, ArizonaNorth Las Vegas, NevadaCape Coral, FloridaChandler, ArizonaHenderson, NevadaReno, NevadaPort St. Lucie, FloridaSurprise, ArizonaMesa, ArizonaDurham, North CarolinaConflicting rankings add nuanceA 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鈥檚 top retirement states:MassachusettsFloridaIllinoisKentuckyNorth CarolinaTennesseeDelawareVermontNew MexicoLouisianaCost factorAffordability 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 VirginiaMississippiArkansasKansasKentuckyMost expensive:HawaiiCaliforniaMassachusettsNew YorkConnecticutWhere retirees live aloneA 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.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onretirees flocking to WyomingWyoming retiree growthbest states for retirement 2025top retirement cities in the UScost of living for retireesretirement living in South Carolinaaffordable states to retireretirement demographicsretirement rankings AARPretirement trends 2025
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onretirees flocking to WyomingWyoming retiree growthbest states for retirement 2025top retirement cities in the UScost of living for retireesretirement living in South Carolinaaffordable states to retireretirement demographicsretirement rankings AARPretirement trends 2025(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless