Texas Ranks Near Bottom in New Retirement Study by Bankrate
A recent study published on July 21, 2025, by personal finance website Bankrate places Texas as the second-to-last state for retirement desirability. The study evaluated all 50 states on several key factors important to retirees.
Bankrate assigned weights to each category in its ranking: affordability accounted for 28%, weather 18%, neighborhood safety 17%, health care 16%, local taxes 9%, arts and recreation 7%, presence of peers 3%, and miscellaneous factors 2%. Using data from sources such as the U.S. Census and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with a survey of over 2,200 adults nationwide, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of retirement conditions.
Texas scored well on local taxes, ranking seventh, suggesting retirees would benefit from a favorable tax environment. However, the state ranked last in health care quality, highlighting concerns about medical access and services for older residents. Texas also placed 49th in the availability of people of similar age, which could affect social opportunities for retirees. Safety was another weak point, with Texas coming in 38th.
The study found that eight of the ten worst states for retirement are located in the Sun Belt, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Louisiana ranked last overall.
In contrast, New Hampshire earned the top spot for retirees due to its strong rankings in neighborhood safety, health care, taxes, and presence of peers. Other New England states such as Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont also featured in the top ten.
This recent survey offers valuable insights for individuals considering where to retire. While Texas may appeal in terms of taxes and cost, challenges in health care access and community resources may cause potential retirees to explore other options.
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