10 Worst States To Retire In 2020

Some seniors make a big mistake by retiring to a state beyond their means, according to WalletHub, a personal finance website.

Even worse, there are seniors retiring to these states on just a Social Security check or pension. WalletHub says neither is sufficient to cover all living expenses even in the most affordable areas of the U.S., let alone the nation's most expensive retirement destinations.

WalletHub compared 50 states across 47 key indicators to determine which are the least affordable, have the least available healthcare options or offer the worst overall quality of life on a fixed income.

Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for retirement. WalletHub then calculated each state’s weighted average across all metrics to determine its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank its 50-state sample.

Here, in ascending order, are WalletHub’s top 10 worst states to retire to in 2020.

10. Louisiana

Come to Louisiana for Mardi Gras, jazz and Cajun cuisine, but not to retire there. While Louisiana ranks 10^th in affordability, it ranks 43^rd in healthcare, 44^thin quality of life and 47^th in lowest life expectancy. Total Score: 48.29

9. New York

You can tour the Big Apple without retiring to the Empire State. New York ranks first with most theaters and museums per capita, fifth for highest life expectancy and ninth in quality of life, but it ranks 50^th in affordability. Total Score: 47.57

8. Mississippi

You'll be singing the blues if you retire to Mississippi. Although the state ranks first in lowest cost of living and fifth in affordability, it ranks 47^th in healthcare, 49^th in quality of life and 50^th in lowest life expectancy. Total Score: 47.25

7. Arkansas

You don't have to retire to Arkansas to relax and recharge at the state's Hot Springs National Park. Arkansas ranks ninth in affordability, but 46^th with fewest museums per capita, 45^th in healthcare and 50^th in quality of life. Total Score: 47.21

6. Tennessee

Tennessee is known as the home of country music, but don’t retire there just because you’re a fan. The state ranks fourth in lowest adjusted cost of living and 14^th in affordability, but 46^th in healthcare and 48^th in quality of life. Total Score: 45.83

5. West Virginia

The Mountain State is famous for scenic beauty, just don’t retire there to enjoy it. West Virginia ranks third with highest percentage of population aged 65 and older and ninth in affordability, but 40^th in quality of life and 50^th in healthcare. Total Score: 45.38

4. New Jersey

Spend the summer on the Jersey Shore, but don’t retire to the Garden State the rest of the year. New Jersey ranks fifth for lowest property-crime rate, but 23^rd in healthcare, 31^st in quality of life and 48^th in affordability. Total Score: 45.06

3. Rhode Island

America’s smallest-sized state has a wealth of fun things to see and do, but not if you end up in the poor house by retiring there. Rhode Island ranks 25^th in healthcare, 38^th in quality of life and 47^th in affordability. Total Score: 43.49

2. New Mexico

Known as “The Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico boasts breathtaking views, colorful scenery and vibrant culture, but its no bargain for retirees. New Mexico ranks 37^th in affordability, 38^th in healthcare, 45^th in quality of life and 50^th in highest property-crime rate. Total Score: 43.33

1. Kentucky

In May, the Kentucky Derby kicks off horseracing’s annual triple crown, and celebrities flock to the event. You can, too, without retiring to the Bluegrass State. Kentucky ranks 32^nd in affordability, 46^th in quality of life and 48^th in healthcare. Total Score: 41.89