Best States For Older Americans: How NH Measures Up

CONCORD, NH — When it comes to deciding where to live, many older Americans opt to live in a warmer climate or closer to their grandkids. But older Americans should keep in mind that some states are measurably better for living out the golden years. According to a new ranking by 24/7 Wall St., certain states are better for older Americans to call home when it comes to factors such as income, health care, safe streets, reliable public transportation and more.

New Hampshire is among the best states for older Americans, ranking fourth overall. Neighboring states ranked high as well, with Connecticut listed fifth, Massachusetts seventh and Vermont ninth.

Using data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24/7 Wall St. created an index of measures related to income, health, education, environment and access to public transportation in order to identify the best and worst states for older Americans.

Concerning New Hampshire, the data included these figures:

• Life expectancy at age 65: 84.2 years
• 65 and older poverty rate: 5.5 percent (lowest in the country)
• 65 and older population with a disability: 30.5 percent
• Median income for 65 and older households: $50,240
• Population 65 and older: 245,156 (18.1 percent

As researchers wrote:

In New Hampshire, just 5.5% of the senior population lives below the poverty line, the smallest share of any state and well below the national poverty rate of 9.4% among Americans 65 and older. New Hampshire also has one of the smallest shares of retirement-age residents with a disability. Just 13.8% of the state’s older residents do not have a personal doctor or health care provider, the second lowest share of any state. New Hampshire also has one of the lowest violent crime rates and the lowest property crime rate in the country.

Out of all states, Colorado ranked as the best state for older Americans. According to the ranking, the state has one of the lowest senior poverty rates and one of the smallest shares of 65-and-over residents with a disability, as well as the third lowest annual mortality rate for residents 65 and over.

Here are the top five best states for older Americans:

1. Colorado
2. Maryland
3. Hawaii
4. New Hampshire
5. Connecticut

On the other hand, several states were considered not good fits for older Americans, according to the ranking. At the bottom of the list is West Virginia, followed by Arkansas and Mississippi, respectively.

See more on 24/7 Wall St.’s methodology in determining the best states for older Americans.