DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa has earned the top spot as the best state to retire in 2026, according to a new national analysis that measured affordability, quality of life and economic strength.
The Retirement Living Research Team evaluated all 50 states, finding that Iowa offers one of the strongest overall combinations of financial security, safety, and opportunities for an active lifestyle.
The ranking marks a significant jump for the Hawkeye State, which climbed from No. 16 in last year’s report to No. 1 in 2026.
Researchers say Iowa’s balanced performance across multiple categories helped propel it to the top. The state ranked especially well for affordability and economic stability while also scoring high for quality of life.
DES MOINES, IA – MAY 31: A course scenic shot of the fourth green during the first round of the Principal Charity Classic at Wakonda Club on May 31, 2013 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR)
Among the factors highlighted in the report:
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Iowa ranks third nationally for golf courses per capita, with about 49 courses for every 100,000 seniors.
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The state’s property crime rate of 13 crimes per 1,000 residents is the ninth lowest in the country.
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Researchers also pointed to Iowa’s affordability and low senior poverty rate as signs of long-term financial security for retirees.
The report notes that Iowa’s average winter high temperature of 18 degrees may not appeal to retirees seeking warmer weather. Even so, researchers concluded the state’s lower cost of living, safety, and overall value outweigh the colder climate for many people planning retirement.
Retirement Living’s annual rankings emphasize that retirement decisions extend beyond weather, encouraging future retirees to consider how a state’s affordability, healthcare access, economic conditions, and quality of life will affect their finances and lifestyle over the long term.
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