If you’re considering spending your retirement years in Oklahoma, you might want to take a closer look at the numbers first. According to a new 2025 study from financial services firm Bankrate, Oklahoma ranks 48th out of 50 states for retirees, performing poorly in affordability, safety, and health care, three of the most important factors for older adults living on a fixed income.
The report analyzed all 50 states based on categories like cost of living, neighborhood safety, access to medical services, local taxes, arts and entertainment, and weather. While Oklahoma offers friendly communities and low housing prices compared with the national average, the overall quality of life for retirees lags in areas that directly affect comfort, health, and security.
Why Oklahoma ranks so low for retirees
Oklahoma’s affordability might seem like a selling point at first, but rising costs and limited health infrastructure make it less practical for long-term retirement. The state ranked 45th in affordability and 41st in health care, two categories that carry the most weight in Bankrate’s scoring system.
Safety was another major concern. Oklahoma placed low in public safety rankings, reflecting higher crime rates compared with national averages. The combination of these factors creates a challenging environment for retirees seeking stability and peace of mind.
Weather, while not the worst, didn’t lift the state’s overall score either. Though winters are mild and tornado season is short, extreme storms and unpredictable weather patterns pose ongoing risks, especially for older residents with mobility or medical concerns.
According to Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, the study aimed to capture more than just financial data, as health care access, walkability, and public safety play a big role in quality of life after retirement.
Better states for retirees and more to avoid
The bottom five states in the 2025 Bankrate ranking all share similar issues related to health care, safety, or high living costs. Texas, for instance, finished 49th overall, dragged down by poor health care access and affordability. Louisiana came in last, with weak scores across nearly every category, from safety and health to weather and quality of life.
Arkansas fared slightly better but still ranked low due to limited medical access and public safety concerns, even though its weather and cost of living are relatively favorable. Nebraska also placed near the bottom, mostly because of its high homeowners’ insurance costs and less competitive affordability scores.
In contrast, the top-performing states for retirees offer strong community support and reliable health systems. New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont lead the list, combining low crime, high health care quality, and vibrant social engagement for older adults. While their colder climates may not appeal to everyone, these states excel at providing a stable, supportive environment for aging populations.
Choosing where to retire is one of the most personal financial and lifestyle decisions a person can make. For those drawn to Oklahoma’s welcoming communities and laid-back pace, the state still has plenty to offer, especially for retirees with family ties or established support networks there. But for people prioritizing health care access, safety, and weather stability, it may be worth considering alternatives that rank higher.