Washington One of the Worst States for Military Retirees

In a recent study, every state was ranked from best to worst for military retirees. Unfortunately for us, Washington was ranked as one of the worst states for military retirees.

New Study Shows Where Washington Needs to Improve for Veterans

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Veterans Face Tougher Housing Challenges in Washington State

With Memorial Day coming up, financial website Wallet Hub looked at every state to see where every state lands on this list ranking the best and worst states for military retirees.

It's unfortunate that, as Washington State is usually one of the best for so many things, the same can't be said for military retirees as it lands 4th worst state for our veterans.

Veterans Face Tougher Housing Challenges in Washington State

Washington is listed as 48th place with ranks as 4th worst over all. They also include Washington DC as it's own thing.

In fact, Washington DC came in 3rd worst over all along with Vermont and Oregon taking the top spot for worst state for military retirees.
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Several criteria went into making this list including each area's local economic environment rank, quality of life rank, as well as health care rank.

Why Washington Ranked Near the Bottom for Military Retirees

Not just 4th overall, but here are a few more stats about Washington State being 4th worst state for military retirees.

Washington State ranked 16th for veterans per capita.
Washington State ranked 35th for percentage of veteran-owned businesses.
Washington State ranked 35th for number of VA benefits-administration facilities per number of veterans.
Washington State ranked 38th for veteran job opportunities.
Washington State ranked 43rd for housing affordability.
Washington State ranked 46th for number of VA health facilities per number of veterans.
Washington State ranked 48th for percentage of homeless veterans.
Washington State ranked 50th for quality of VA hospitals.

This is the 2026 study and hopefully we can get better by next Memorial Day.