zaro

What State Has the Most Military Retirees?

Published in Military Retirees 3 mins read

California has the highest number of military retirees in the United States. This is largely attributed to its substantial overall population, numerous military installations, and its appeal as a post-service relocation destination for many former service members.

While California leads in the absolute count of military retirees, it is important to distinguish this from the proportion of veterans within a state's population. For instance, Alaska stands out with one of the nation's highest shares of veteran residents, representing approximately 10.1% of its total population as of 2022. This highlights that while Alaska has a significant percentage of its residents who have served in the military, larger states like California host a greater overall number of former service members, including those receiving military retirement benefits.

States with a high concentration of military retirees often present a combination of factors attractive to former service members, such as:

  • Military Infrastructure: Proximity to active military bases, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, and other essential support services.
  • Economic Opportunities: Job markets that may favor veteran skills or provide stable employment prospects.
  • Quality of Life: Desirable climate conditions, a manageable cost of living, and strong community support networks for veterans.

Top States by Military Retiree Population

Based on Department of Defense actuarial data concerning retired military personnel, the states with the largest absolute numbers of military retirees generally include:

Rank State Key Contributing Factors
1 California Largest state population, multiple major military bases
2 Florida Favorable climate, significant military presence
3 Texas Large land area, numerous bases, strong economic growth
4 Virginia Proximity to the Pentagon, extensive military commands
5 North Carolina Presence of major Army and Marine Corps installations

These states, while not necessarily having the highest percentage of veterans or military retirees relative to their population, host the largest total populations of military retirees. This distinction is crucial for understanding the distribution of veteran demographics across the nation.

Understanding Veteran Demographics

Grasping where veterans and retirees reside is essential for effective resource allocation, policy development, and providing targeted support.

  • Total Veteran Population: States like California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank highest in the overall count of veterans.
  • Veteran Concentration (Share): States such as Alaska, Montana, and Virginia exhibit a higher percentage of veterans relative to their total population. Alaska, for example, had a significant 10.1% of its residents identified as veterans.
  • Military Retirees: This specific group, who have completed a full military career (typically 20+ years) and receive retirement pay, often choose to settle near military centers or in states with well-established veteran communities and support systems.

This comprehensive perspective illustrates the diverse patterns of distribution for individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces.