If you’re planning where to spend your retirement years, one U.S. state may not live up to expectations. According to a new study from Bankrate, Louisiana ranks dead last in the country for retirees in 2025, performing poorly in nearly every category that matters for comfort, safety, and health.
The annual report evaluated all 50 states on factors such as affordability, health care, safety, weather, and taxes. Here, we’ll look at why Louisiana earned the bottom spot and which other states retirees may want to think twice about before making a move.
Why Louisiana is the worst state for retirees
Louisiana scored poorly across almost every category Bankrate analyzed. Despite its warm weather and vibrant culture, the state struggles with affordability, crime, and access to health care, three major concerns for people in or approaching retirement.
According to the report, Louisiana ranked 43rd for affordability, 48th for safety, and 37th for health care. High crime rates and the rising cost of living were major contributors to its low placement. Even its weather ranking, at 39th, didn’t provide much comfort, as residents often deal with extreme heat, humidity, and hurricane risks.
Stephen Kates, Bankrate’s financial analyst, said the team looked beyond sunshine and taxes when rating each state. “Categories like public safety, walkability, access to health care, air quality, recreational opportunities, and more add up to the daily quality of life retirees want”, he explained.
While Louisiana offers a strong sense of community and rich traditions in food, music, and festivals, the report suggests those benefits aren’t enough to offset its challenges. For retirees looking for stability, affordable housing, and safe neighborhoods, other states may offer a better mix of comfort and financial security.
Other states that didn’t score well
Louisiana isn’t alone at the bottom of the list. Several other states showed similar weaknesses when it comes to cost, safety, or health care. Bankrate’s study found that:
- Texas ranks 49th overall. While it performs well in taxes (7th), it placed last in health care and near the bottom in affordability and weather. The state’s extreme heat and high insurance costs make it a tough environment for many retirees.
- Oklahoma came in near the bottom as well, offering decent weather (13th) but struggling with affordability (45th) and poor health care (41st).
- Arkansas scored well for weather (9th) but performed poorly in safety, arts, and health care, making it less appealing for retirees looking for accessible medical support and community activities.
- Nebraska landed 46th due to expensive homeowners’ insurance and low affordability (49th), despite doing reasonably well in most other areas.
Each of these states highlights a common theme in Bankrate’s rankings: lower taxes or warmer weather don’t necessarily make a place ideal for retirement. When health care, safety, and housing costs are factored in, the best options can look very different from what many expect.
For retirees hoping to make their savings stretch, the top spots in the study—including New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont—offer a more balanced mix of affordability, health care access, and safety.