WalletHub Study Identifies Best States for Military Retirees, Highlighting South Carolina's Top Ranking
A recent analysis by WalletHub has identified the best states in the U.S. for military retirees, focusing on factors such as military pension taxes, VA health care access, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. The study, released on May 18, 2026, evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 different metrics. South Carolina emerged as the top state for the third consecutive year, offering no taxes on military retirement income, strong hiring preferences for veterans, and programs to assist their transition into civilian life. Other top-ranking states include North Dakota, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Maryland, each excelling in various aspects such as economic conditions, health care access, and quality of life. Conversely, Oregon and Washington were among the lowest-ranked states, struggling with issues like VA hospital quality and availability of medical facilities. 
