Americans in These 5 U.S. States Might Fare the Worst in Retirement. How Do Your Numbers Compare?

Key Points

• According to an AARP survey, one in five Americans aged 50 and over has no retirement savings and more than half worry their funds won’t last once they retire.
• New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Vermont top the Western & Southern Financial Group’s retirement readiness ranking.
• Residents in Connecticut and New Jersey report the highest average 401(k) balances at $546,000 and $514,000, with over-65 median incomes exceeding $96,000.
• By contrast, West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Arizona rank worst, with Mississippi and Arkansas averaging just $348,000 and $364,000 in 401(k) balances and over-65 median incomes below $58,000.

One in five Americans aged 50 and over has no retirement savings, and more than half worry that they won't have enough money to last once they leave the workforce, according to an AARP survey.

However, where U.S. workers live can have a significant impact on their retirement readiness.

Getting familiar with some of the key averages in your state, from 401(k) balances to median incomes, life expectancies, cost of living and more, can help you understand just how prepared you are — or aren't — for your golden years.

Related: How Much Money Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in Your State? Here's the Breakdown.

Western & Southern Financial Group examined those metrics and others to rank all 50 states based on where retirees have the best and worst readiness for retirement.

New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Vermont came out on top for states where people are most prepared for retirement, per the study.

What's more, residents in Connecticut and New Jersey reported the highest average 401(k) balances: $546,000 and $514,000, respectively. Residents over the age of 65 in those states also have high median incomes — over $96,000.

Related: Here Are the Best and Worst States for Retirement in 2025, According to a New Report

Americans living in West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Arizona may fare the worst in retirement, according to the research.

Mississippi and Arkansas residents reported some of the lowest average 401(k) balances, at $348,000 and $364,000, respectively. In West Virginia and Arkansas, residents over the age of 65 have median incomes under $58,000.

Related: These Are the States Where $1 Million in Retirement Savings Lasts the Longest (and Where You'll Be Broke in No Time)

Check out Western & Southern Financial Group's full ranking of Americans' retirement readiness by state below:

^{Image Credit: Courtesy of Western & Southern Financial Group}