While the US has much to offer older folks, some states are a lot more welcoming to seniors than others. With that in mind, finance website MoneyRates has ranked all 50 states according to where's best to retire to. The ranking is based on four factors: Economy, Crime/Safety, Lifestyle, and Healthcare, and takes into account the things that matter most when you're retired, including the cost of living, burglary rates, and the weather.

So whether you're planning ahead or are already enjoying your golden years, read on to discover the most, and least, desirable US states to spend your retirement in.

Languishing at the very bottom of the list is Alaska. While it might rank number one for Economy, its bottom-place rankings for both Lifestyle and Healthcare are punishing.

Bitter winters – the Last Frontier is the coldest state of them all – and healthcare that manages to be both expensive yet poor contribute towards Alaska's 50th place score. High crime rates complete the paltry performance, with Alaska receiving the dubious honor of top spot for violent offenses per capita.

Similarly, Nevada is massively let down by its substandard health system, which is ranked the second-worst nationwide.

The Silver State also falls way short when it comes to cost of living, unemployment, and safety – in fact, Nevada has been separately ranked the 12th most violent state. The low tax burden it places on seniors is one of the very few upsides of retiring there.

While Washington's Crime/Safety score is far from the highest in the country at 32nd, the state disappoints in other respects.

Low scores for Lifestyle and Healthcare lets it down, with other factors such as steep sales taxes, and the often dreary weather, contributing towards its lowly position.

Thanks to its year-round sunshine, climate is one of the factors that the Golden State shines in. However, the Californian dream can easily become a nightmare for seniors, who can find themselves stung by high income and sales taxes.

California-based retirees also face some of the most expensive living costs in the country, with real estate and groceries both painfully expensive. On top of that, high unemployment rates and poorer-than-average healthcare are matched by high rates of crime.

Colorado sits in 48th place for Lifestyle, which encompasses everything from winter weather to the proportion of older residents living in the state.

Its ratings for Crime/Safety and Healthcare are also not great. However, the Centennial State is redeemed a fraction by its Economy score, which takes into account factors such as the cost of living and taxes.

In contrast to Colorado, Oregon bags a respectable 16th place score for Lifestyle, and isn't the worst state by any means for crime and taxation.

However, the cost of living is a a major headache for seniors residing there as they pay significantly more than the national average for everything from real estate to groceries. It also scores poorly for Healthcare, with a ranking of 46th.

The biggest cons of living in the Lone Star State if you're retired? Crime rates are on the high side with a 38th place ranking overall, while financial factors also work against it, with it scoring 37th place in the Econony rankings.

On the other hand, its Healthcare ranking is better than average, coming in at 24th, while factors such as its mild winters contribute towards a satisfactory Lifestyle score.

The cost of living in Illinois is low, as are the taxes imposed on seniors. Despite this, the state scores poorly overall in the Economy category, perhaps due to factors such as its consistently high unemployment rate.

Long, cold winters pull down the state's Lifestyle rating too although it does OK when it to Crime/Safety and Healthcare, which are rated around and just above the national average respectively.

Mild winters, vibrant culture, and a medley of other appealing factors all work in Louisiana's favor, and result in the Pelican State achieving a commendable 16th place for Lifestyle. Its Economy rating is so-so at 24th: although the state levies the second-highest sales tax in America, it's generally tax-friendly towards retirees and boasts a relatively low cost of living. 

However, its overall ranking is let down by Crime/Safety: it sits in 48th place and has an exceptionally high crime rate. It also has the highest per-capita murder rate in the whole of the US, a title which it has held for over three decades.

Crime is much less of a concern in Wisconsin, with the state deemed the 12th safest by MoneyRates.

That said, the Badger State is only reasonably tax-friendly, and it's in the mid-to-upper 30s for Economy, Healthcare, and Lifestyle. The latter could be due to its frosty winters, with temperatures typically reaching a max of 30.4°F on average during the cooler months.

Boasting 365 days of sunshine, alluring natural beauty, and a long life expectancy – which, at 80.7 years, beats every other state – Hawaii scores a brilliant 2nd place for Lifestyle and is a veritable haven for seniors. Well, seniors with money that is...

The Aloha State is the priciest place to live by far, and is home to America's most expensive real estate, groceries, and utilities. Healthcare also leaves a lot to be desired, as reflected in its 42nd place ranking.

North Carolina's Healthcare score is even worse than Hawaii's, and it sits in 48th spot in the category.

Although its crime rates are on the high side, the Tar Heel State's cost of living and tax-friendliness are around the national average. Its Lifestyle score is 12th, with its pleasant winters and boundless leisure opportunities doubtless helping to bolster it.

Crime is New Mexico's biggest turn-off for seniors – the state has the highest burglary rate in the nation and only Alaska is worse for violent crime per capita, so it's little surprise that New Mexico is ranked 49th for this.

Healthcare is decidedly mediocre and unemployment is high. Yet despite these distinct drawbacks, the state still has plenty to entice older people, including mild winters, which contributes towards a 9th place score in the Lifestyle category.

On the flipside, Maryland has a better score for Crime (29th) and is ranked number one in the nation for Healthcare.

Lifestyle sees its score take a dip, although the state's chief drawbacks for seniors are its budget-busting cost of living and taxes. Maryland is the only state that imposes both an inheritance and a state estate tax.

Healthcare is New York's strong point, with the state's envy-inducing system ranked fifth in the country. Crime rates are comparatively low, which is another feather in the Empire State's cap.

However, the exorbitant cost of living in the Big Apple, paired with factors such as the cold winters, makes life harder for retirees. This is reflected in the figures: New York's Lifestyle ranking sits at a disappointing 40th. 

Unlike New York, Healthcare is Montana's weak point, with its crime per capita score outpacing the national average.

Be that as it may, the scenic western state bags a 25th place score for Lifestyle and ranks 20th for Economy thanks to its low levels of unemployment, realistic cost of living, and tolerable taxes.

Georgia fares even better in the Economy category. Blessed with low unemployment, wonderfully affordable living costs, and a very light tax burden on seniors, the state is ranked 5th nationwide.

While it scores lower for Lifestyle and Crime (27th and 29th respectively), Georgia's biggest downfall is its healthcare system, as reflected in its 44th place ranking.

Healthcare in Wyoming is also very poor (coming in 45th), and the sparsely populated state's Lifestyle ranking (43rd) is dire too; the latter is undoubtedly linked to the state's freezing winters and lack of things to do.

To Wyoming's credit, property and violent crime rates are very low, as reflected in its 7th place score for Crime. The state also offers a very reasonable cost of living and is considered extremely tax-friendly towards seniors, meaning it's ranked 10th for Economy.

Sadly, "affordable" and "Massachusetts" are two words that rarely go together: the Bay State is a notoriously expensive place to live. While it's moderately tax-friendly, its high cost of living can deplete even the most generous of retirement incomes and it's little surprise then that it ranked 46th for Economy.

On the upside, however, property and violent crime rates are low, and the state has a decent healthcare system. Massachusetts sits at 10th and 13th positions for Crime and Healthcare respectively.

Staying in New England, Maine is even safer, with the second-lowest Crime ranking in the whole country. Despite its unforgivingly cold winters, the state has a solid Lifestyle ranking, at 22nd. While still on the high side, the cost of living is lower, although Maine does tax its seniors to the hilt as reflected in its 35th place score for Economy.

The state also falters when it comes to Healthcare, for which it ranked the eighth-worst state in America. 

Michigan has a number of factors working in its favor, ranging from the least expensive groceries in the country to a healthcare system that performs better than the national average.

Crime levels are bang on the median for the nation although Michigan does score lower for Lifestyle, with its chilly winters contributing towards a 31st place spot. 

New Hampshire's retirees have precious few worries when it comes to crime, with the state the number one safest in America according to MoneyRates.

They do, however, have their finances to fret over: the cost of living is high and healthcare is the most expensive in the country, as reflected in its 25th and 41st places for Economy and Healthcare respectively. Despite this, New Hampshire is considered tax-friendly towards seniors.

Minnesota can pride itself on an impressive 11th-place score for Healthcare – after all, the state is home to some of the world's top hospitals, including the prestigious Mayo Clinic.

Its lower-than-average crime rates are also a distinct advantage, but not everything in the state is rosy for retirees. The seemingly endless winters and a lack of tax-friendliness top the list of its shortcomings, and it scores a miserable 46th place for Lifestyle.

Tennessee's varied plus points include its clement winters, better-than-average healthcare, a low cost of living, and general tax-friendliness, although sales taxes are high.

However, seniors have to put up with high rates of property and violent crime: the state is the 45th worst in the country for Crime/Safety. In fact, Memphis was ranked the most dangerous US city according to a recent analysis of FBI data by 24/7 Wall St.

If you're looking for a state where you can feel safe, Virginia is a solid choice and sits in 9th place for Crime/Safety.

The cost of living is below average and the state is also regarded as one of the more tax-friendly towards retirees. While it comes in at 20th for Economy, its scores for Lifestyle and Healthcare aren't great, and its neighbor Tennessee comfortably beats it for both.

Yet another state that is let down by its high crime figures, Oklahoma has the second-highest burglary rate in America and certainly won't win any plaudits for its Crime/Safety ranking of 42 out of 50.

It does, however, manage to eclipse numerous other states from a financial point of view. Its exceptionally modest living costs, low rate of unemployment, and featherweight tax burden on seniors all add up to an impressive 10th-place position in the Economy rankings.

With a fifth-place ranking, Arizona's Lifestyle factor is its salient strength, with the state a haven for snowbirds courtesy of its year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. Healthcare is also relatively respectable, with a mid-table position of 23rd place.

However, rates of property and violent crime are much higher than the nationwide average, and the cost of living isn't the most affordable, with the state only moderately tax-friendly towards retirees. Arizona scores 41st place for Crime/Safety and 30th for Economy.

A pretty good all-rounder, South Dakota scores above average in the Economy (22nd), Crime/Safety (22nd), and Healthcare (19th) rankings.

Lifestyle is its weakest link at 34th, which could be put down to the state's relentless winters and its comparative lack of activities. After all, it's not for nothing that South Dakota has been ranked in several surveys as one of the most "boring" states...

Idaho has been rated even more dull than South Dakota and, unsurprisingly, manages to score lower on Lifestyle with a 44th place ranking.

Healthcare in the Gem State is also far from dazzling, and it sits at number 32. Idaho's saving graces are its attractive scores for Crime/Safety – quiet places do tend to be synonymous with low crime, after all – and Economy, with the latter influenced by the state's affordable cost of living and tax-friendliness.

While Idaho excels for Crime/Safety, Delaware flounders, coming in at 36th. Its Healthcare score is equally dire, and it also sits at 36th place in this category.

While Delaware scored above-average for Economy, it isn't quite as financially appealing to seniors as Idaho might be. In terms of Lifestyle, however, Delaware leaves its competitor in the dust, coming in at fourth.

Overall, New Jersey is a great choice to settle down in, with low rates of crime and tip-top healthcare contributing towards its overall ranking as the 20th-best state to retire to.

However, seniors in New Jersey need to make sure they've got plenty of bucks in the bank as it's rated the worst in the country for Economy. Why? A high cost of living, hefty property taxes, and depressing unemployment rates all contribute towards its 50th-place position.

From the worst state for retirees' finances to the second-best, South Carolina positively wows with its low cost of living and minimal unemployment rate, and is regarded as tax-friendly too. All of which adds up to give it second place in the Economy rankings.

The state is also to be applauded for its Lifestyle score, landing third place in the category. The drawbacks, however, are pretty major: South Carolina struggles with high crime levels as well as a poorly-performing healthcare system. It ranks 46th for Crime and 40th for Healthcare.

Kansas' best category is also Economy, for which it comes in at 13th place due to its exceedingly low cost of living and unemployment rate. However, the state isn't quite as tax-friendly towards seniors as South Carolina, so doesn't score as well.

Kansas is rated 20 positions lower for Lifestyle than South Carolina, and sits at 23rd. However, it triumphs in both Crime/Safety and Healthcare, scoring 13th and 18th respectively.

Unlike many other states, Ohio has garnered very similar scores across its four categories. While Economy is its weakest factor, with a ranking of 29th, it scores 20th for Crime/Safety, 19th for Lifestyle, and 20th for Healthcare.

So why the dip for Economy? The state is tax-friendly but not overly so, and although living costs aren't over the top, they're not dirt-cheap either.

For a mostly rural state, Vermont has a shockingly high cost of living. It's also decidedly lacking when it comes to its healthcare system, which is a shame as it has a lot to offer retirees otherwise.

Lifestyle is rated above-average in the state despite its long and bitingly cold winters, while it comes in at 4th for Crime/Safety thanks to having one of the lowest crime rates in the country. 

Lifestyle is Nebraska's biggest stumbling block – the state is an icebox in winter and isn't the most exciting place to be. That said, it scores above-average for Crime/Safety and just about nudges into the top 10 for Healthcare.

While Nebraska isn't regarded as particularly tax-friendly for retirees, it does have the country's lowest unemployment rate and cheaper than average living costs. This is reflected in its 15th place ranking for Economy.

Lifestyle is also North Dakota's poorest-scoring category, with the state's bleak winters and relative lack of amenities behind its 49th place ranking for the factor – only Alaska scores lower.

Fortunately, its Healthcare score is outstanding, its Crime/Safety ranking is 17th, and its Economy score is the 18th best in the country.

Much like several other northern states, Pennsylvania is rated highly for Lifestyle, and also scores respectable mid-teen rankings for Crime/Safety and Healthcare.

However, it doesn't come cheap: the cost of living is above the national average, while unemployment rates are also high. The state is tax-friendly but only moderately so, giving Pennsylvania an Economy ranking of 42nd place.

MoneyRates has ranked Utah third-best in the Economy category, with factors such as the state's reasonable living costs and incredibly low unemployment rate both hugely appealing to budget-minded seniors. In fact, Utah actually recorded its lowest-ever unemployment rate in October 2021. 

Its Crime/Safety score is lower than the national average while Healthcare is also pretty good, although Utah's overall ranking is let down by a dismal 47th place for Lifestyle.

With a Lifestyle ranking of 40th place, Indiana might not be the most riveting place to spend those golden years.

However, the Hoosier State has an impressive Economy rating thanks to an affordable cost of living and a low rate of unemployment. This, coupled with Indiana's fantastic Healthcare score, leaves plenty of other states far behind.

Rhode Island is an idyllic spot for retirement in almost every respect. America's smallest state is extra-safe, offers seniors a great lifestyle, and has a marvelous health system, with the second-highest rating for nursing care capacity.

But living in this bubble of paradise is expensive, and it ranks 48th for Economy. The state has some of the highest living costs in the country, and slaps substantial taxes on both property and retirement income. It's also one of the 13 states that levies an estate tax too.

MoneyRates has declared Alabama to be the number one state in the Economy category: seniors there are spoiled with cheap living costs, low levels of unemployment, and other financial bonuses, including very moderate property taxes.

Lifestyle is highly rated too, with the state placed seventh in this category. Healthcare is ranked above-average despite a lower-than-typical life expectancy, which could perhaps be very partially explained by its sky-high Crime ranking of 44th place.

Missouri mirrors Alabama in many respects. The Show-Me State is one of the most affordable for those planning to retire, with below-average property taxes and a low cost of living among the many plus-points that contribute to its 6th place ranking for Economy.

Its scores for Lifestyle and Healthcare are almost as impressive. Like Alabama, however, law-and-order is an issue. Missouri ranks 42nd for Crime/Safety.

Connecticut doesn't share Missouri's crime problem – the state is rated the fourth-safest – and its healthcare system is one of the best in the country, as reflected in its third place ranking.

Lifestyle garners a respectable 19th place although, as is the case with other wealthy Northern states, its high cost of living and high taxes mean Connecticut has a dismal Economy score of 45th place.

Crime/Safety is one of Kentucky's key strengths too, with crime levels in the Bluegrass State refreshingly low.

Other notable advantages include its relatively cheap healthcare costs, low taxes, and mild winters. Despite all this, factors such as a lower-than-average life expectancy show the state is not perfect.

The quintessential retirement destination, Florida is perennially popular with retirees, who flock to the Sunshine State for its tropical climate, established seniors' communities, beautiful beaches, leisure amenities, and more.

Needless to say, Florida is number one for the Lifestyle ranking. It's also extremely tax-friendly and offers superb healthcare, though nursing capacity could be better. That said, living costs are on the high side and crime levels are higher than the national average, which explains why it is in 31st and 27th places respectively for Economy and Crime/Safety.

At 74.6 years, life expectancy in Mississippi is one of the lowest in the whole of the US. However, that hasn't stopped the state from being rated the joint third-best for retirees.

Healthcare is actually better than the nationwide average and Crime is around average, while its Lifestyle ranking makes the top 10. The sensationally affordable cost of living – the cheapest in America – and tax-friendliness are arguably the state's premier attractions, and contribute to its 9th place score for Economy.

Affordability is also Arkansas' most tempting feature for retirees. According to MoneyRates, the state has the second-most affordable cost of living, as well as the 10th lowest property taxes. It also has cheap healthcare which, while easy on the wallet, is also highly rated, scoring 6th place in the Healthcare ranking overall.

Lifestyle scores well but crime is an issue, with record-high levels of violence contributing to a poor 46th place ranking for the Crime/Safety factor.

West Virginia has the edge over Arkansas, offering seniors low living costs, a tiny tax burden, and various other financial advantages. With lower crime rates, it can also offer its elderly residents more in the way of safety and peace of mind.

But while healthcare is very affordable, there's definitely room for improvement. West Virginia places just 29th in the Healthcare ranking, partly due to the state's short life expectancy of 74.4 years.

Sharing the top spot with West Virginia is Iowa. It might not be the obvious choice for retirees but the Hawkeye State has much to offer when it comes to making seniors' lives that bit easier.

From first-rate healthcare and low crime rates to an affordable cost of living and fairly light tax burden, it ticks all the boxes. Need further convincing? Iowa boasts the highest literary rate in the whole of the USA at 99%, and it's also the state where Star Trek's Captain Kirk is due to be born in a century or two. Beam us up, Scotty...

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