Retirement Planning
Retirement Planning
Census data reveals which states are actually gaining the most retirees — and it isn't always the states you'd expect. Here's what's driving families toward Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, and Delaware.
When people picture retirement, Florida's beaches or Arizona's golf courses often come to mind first. But Census Bureau data tells a more surprising story: between 2010 and 2023, the states with the fastest-growing 65-and-over populations were Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, and Delaware. Baby boomers, who began reaching senior status in 2011, drove nearly 40% growth in the 65-plus population over that decade — outpacing overall U.S. population growth by a wide margin. With a 65-year-old today expecting nearly 19 more years of life on average, where to spend those years has become a bigger financial and lifestyle decision than ever. This guide breaks down what's actually pulling retirees toward these states, and how families can weigh the same factors for their own move.
Census data shows seniors are increasingly choosing Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, and Delaware over traditional sunbelt destinations, drawn by tax breaks, outdoor recreation, and lower living costs — proof that the "best" retirement state depends on a family's specific priorities.
Census Bureau data shows the 65-and-over population grew nearly 40% between 2010 and 2020, compared to just 7.4% overall population growth — the fastest senior growth rate the country has seen in a century. Driven by baby boomers who began turning 65 in 2011, this shift means more retirees than ever are actively choosing where to spend their later years rather than staying put by default.
A 65-year-old in 2022 could expect nearly 19 more years of life, according to the National Council on Aging. That extended timeline changes the calculus: retirement location isn't just about a few relaxing years, it's a long-term decision touching finances, healthcare access, and daily quality of life for potentially two decades or more.
If growth trends continue, Americans 65 and older will make up 22% of the population by 2040. Caring.com analyzed Census data from 2010 to 2023 to find which states have seen the biggest increases in older residents, revealing a retirement map that looks different from the traditional sunbelt narrative most families expect.
Alaska tops the list with a 91.7% increase in residents 65 and older since 2010, growing from a smaller base to 105,311 seniors. It's an unexpected leader, given the state's famously harsh winters, but it draws retirees willing to trade mild weather for dramatic scenery and unique financial perks.
The draw includes colossal glaciers, Mount Denali — North America's tallest peak at over 20,000 feet — and roughly 700 inches of annual snowfall at Alyeska Resort for winter sports enthusiasts. Alaska also offers the Permanent Fund Dividend, an annual payment of up to $1,500 for full-time residents, plus a Senior Benefits Program providing monthly income-based assistance.
For families weighing Alaska, the tradeoff is clear: genuine financial incentives and unmatched natural scenery, balanced against long winters and relative distance from the lower 48 states where extended family may live.
Idaho's 65-and-over population grew 75.2% since 2010, reaching 341,130 residents. Boise, the state capital, sees over 200 sunny days a year, and the state pairs that climate with relatively low property and sales taxes.
A standout financial perk is that Idaho does not tax Social Security benefits, an advantage that can meaningfully stretch a fixed retirement income over time. For active seniors, the state offers Shoshone Falls (taller than Niagara Falls), skiing and snowboarding at Boise's Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, and relaxation at Lava Hot Springs.
Idaho illustrates a pattern seen across several fast-growing states: retirees increasingly prioritize both tax efficiency and access to year-round outdoor recreation over purely traditional retirement destinations.
| State | 65+ Growth (2010-2023) | Standout Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 91.7% | Permanent Fund Dividend up to $1,500/year |
| Idaho | 75.2% | No tax on Social Security benefits |
| Colorado | 71.6% | Retirement income deduction, top geriatric hospitals |
| Nevada | 71.3% | No state income tax, low cost of living |
Colorado's senior population grew 71.6% since 2010, now totaling 943,015 residents 65 and older — the largest raw number among the top five states. Colorado stands out for low rates of poverty and social isolation among seniors, along with some of the country's best geriatric hospitals.
Financially, the state offers a generous deduction on retirement income and low property taxes, helping retirees afford access to over 20 million acres of public recreation space and 33 ski resorts. Whether it's small-town Fort Collins, resort-town Aspen, or big-city Denver, the state offers meaningfully different retirement lifestyles under one roof.
For families prioritizing healthcare quality alongside an active lifestyle, Colorado's combination of strong medical infrastructure and low social isolation rates makes it a distinctive option worth weighing seriously.
Nevada's 65-and-over population grew 71.3% since 2010, reaching 555,709 residents. The state's appeal centers on affordability: no state income tax and a lower cost of living than the U.S. average make it realistic to live comfortably on a budget under $50,000 per year.
Las Vegas offers more than casinos, with Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon providing scenic backdrops for boating and hiking. Reno presents a quieter alternative, combining entertainment with proximity to Lake Tahoe and the California border for outdoor adventure.
Nevada's growth reflects a broader trend among retirees prioritizing hard financial numbers — no income tax, lower everyday costs — while still wanting reasonable access to entertainment and nature.
Delaware rounds out the top five with 69.6% growth in its 65-and-over population since 2010, now totaling 219,318 residents. The state offers no state or local sales tax, no estate or inheritance tax, no Social Security tax, and lower property taxes — a substantial combination for retirees on fixed incomes.
Beyond the tax advantages, Delaware offers coastal appeal through Rehoboth and Lewes beaches, plus easy access to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., making it convenient for visiting family or grandchildren. In July 2024, the state launched its Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, a five-year, $5 million initiative to strengthen senior healthcare through research and professional training.
Delaware's model shows that a small state can still be a major retirement draw when tax policy and healthcare investment align with strong regional connectivity.
Beyond these five states, Census data shows broader migration patterns worth noting: a westward shift toward Utah, plus growing interest in Georgia, South Carolina, and Vermont. Lower rural living costs, temperate or warm climates, and a desire for new experiences all factor into these decisions alongside the pull of family and familiar amenities.
A 2018 Harvard University study identified five key lifestyle factors tied to longevity: healthy diet, consistent exercise, healthy weight, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption. States with strong outdoor cultures, like those topping this list, make it easier to build those habits into daily life rather than treating exercise as a separate chore.
No single state is objectively "best." A retiree focused on stretching a fixed income might prioritize Nevada or Delaware's tax advantages, while someone focused on staying active outdoors might lean toward Idaho or Colorado. Families should map their own priorities against these factors before assuming any one location is the right fit.
Before ranking states by scenery or tax perks, families should build a real retirement budget: expected Social Security and pension income, healthcare costs, housing prices, and how far savings need to stretch. States without Social Security or estate taxes, like Alaska, Idaho, and Delaware, can meaningfully extend a fixed income, but only if housing and daily costs also fit the plan.
Once a shortlist exists, visit during the least favorable season, not just peak vacation months. Alaska's winters, Nevada's summer heat, and Colorado's mountain snow all shape daily life differently than a July or October visit suggests. A week spent running errands, visiting a clinic, and talking to local seniors reveals far more than a brochure ever will.
Healthcare access deserves equal weight. Colorado's reputation for strong geriatric hospitals is a real advantage; in less populated states like Alaska, families should confirm distance to specialists and hospitals before committing. Ask about Medicare-participating providers, home health agencies, and senior centers in the specific town under consideration, not just the state as a whole.
Finally, loop in family. A move driven by tax savings or scenery can still strain relationships if it puts hundreds of miles between generations. Weigh flight costs, visit frequency, and whether adult children could realistically relocate too — the financial math only tells part of the story.
The fastest-growing retirement states aren't always the obvious ones. Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada, and Delaware each combine tax advantages with active, outdoor-oriented living — proof that "best" depends on what a family values most: savings, scenery, or staying close to loved ones.
Choosing a retirement state is less about finding one "best" answer and more about ranking what matters most: tax savings, climate, activity level, and closeness to family. Census data shows the fastest growth is happening in states like Alaska, Idaho, Colorado, and Nevada — places built around outdoor living and lighter tax burdens — while sunbelt classics and family hubs still draw plenty of retirees for other reasons. The right move starts with an honest budget, a visit during the off-season, and a look at nearby healthcare and senior services before any decision is finalized.
If a parent is considering a cross-country retirement move primarily to escape financial strain, or if cognitive or health changes are already emerging, treat the decision with extra caution. Sudden isolation from family, a healthcare access gap, or a move driven by crisis rather than planning are signs to slow down and consult a financial planner or elder care professional before relocating.