Iowa Ranked As Top State for Retirees
A new study by Retirement Living named Iowa the best state in the U.S. for retirees in 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Retirement Planning
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Retirement Living has crowned Iowa the premier destination for retirees in its 2026 state rankings. The state climbed significantly from its 16th-place finish in 2025 to secure the top spot this year.
Why it matters
The rankings highlight the importance of economic stability and lifestyle factors for seniors, with Iowa excelling in affordability and low poverty rates. Conversely, the study flags significant challenges regarding crime and poverty in lower-ranked states.
Iowa offers 49 golf courses per 100,000 seniors, securing the 3rd rank nationally for accessibility. Meanwhile, New Mexico finished 50th overall, weighed down by a 48th-place ranking in senior poverty.
The players
Retirement Living
Retirement Living is a research organization that provides state rankings and comparative data for seniors.
U.S. Census Bureau
The U.S. Census Bureau is the federal agency responsible for collecting and providing data about the nation's people and economy.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a principal agency of the U.S. federal statistical system that measures labor market activity and price changes.
The details
Researchers evaluated states based on overall quality of life, affordability, and economic strength using U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Iowa earned top marks for its low senior poverty levels, low crime, and widespread access to golf courses.
Timeline
In 2025, Iowa held the 16th spot in the annual retirement study.
In 2026, Iowa was named the best state for retirees.
Market Dynamics
The 2026 study marks a shift in regional favorability, as historically stable states see volatility in their standings. This updates the rankings previously established by the Retirement Living state retirement study.
Retirees may consider how state-level economic rankings influence local property taxes and the cost of living. Comparing these metrics can help individuals optimize their fixed-income budgets and long-term financial security.
The takeaway
Choosing a retirement destination requires balancing lifestyle amenities against objective economic indicators like poverty and crime rates. Prospective retirees should look beyond state rankings to assess how specific local costs align with their personal financial goals.
Further reading
Learn more about evaluating your future at Retirement Planning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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Would you consider moving to a state with harsh winters if it offered lower living costs?
