The Safest States for Seniors in 2025

Only 3 States Earned “A” Grades for Older Adult Safety: North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia
Taylor Shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor
Updated Nov 17, 2025
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Key Findings

  • Only 3 states earned an A for senior safety; 14 received failing grades.
  • Four of the five safest states are in the High Plains, benefiting from low crime, low traffic fatalities, moderate weather, and strong healthcare access.
  • Florida, California, and Arizona — all top retirement destinations — ranked as the three least safe states for seniors.
  • Extreme heat and severe weather hurt several states’ scores; Arizona, Kentucky, and Hawaii ranked worst for weather safety.
  • Seniors in our survey ranked low crime as the most critical factor in feeling safe, followed by access to healthcare, weather safety, and traffic safety.

North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia top the list of safest states for seniors in 2025. At the other end of the spectrum, Florida, California, and Arizona — all long-time retirement hot spots — rank as the least safe.

These results come from SeniorLiving’s nationwide safety report card, which grades every state based on the factors older Americans say matter most: crime, healthcare, weather, and traffic safety. We also surveyed 500  adults aged 65+ to rank their safety priorities, then analyzed public data to assign composite scores to all 50 states.

The findings reveal a shift from traditional retirement wisdom. Warm weather alone no longer guarantees a safer, better place to retire —  extreme heat, severe storms, and healthcare shortages are pushing many sunny states to the bottom of the list.

Complete Rankings: Safest and Most Dangerous States

Not every retiree can (or wants to) move in their later years. Many stay rooted near family, friends, or familiar surroundings, while a fixed income limits others. However, for a quarter of retirees who do relocate across state lines, safety is often a top priority when choosing where to live.

Below, see how your state stacks up — and which ones may be safer than you expect. The states and Washington D.C. are ranked from 1 (safest) to 51 (unsafest).

Rank State Safety Grade
1 North Dakota A
2 South Dakota A
3 West Virginia A
4 Wyoming B+
5 Nebraska B+
6 Kansas B+
7 Montana B
8 Maine B
9 Iowa B-
10 Vermont B-
11 Mississippi C+
12 New Hampshire C+
13 Minnesota C
14 Idaho C
15 Rhode Island C
16 Louisiana C
17 Oklahoma C
18 Ohio C-
19 Arkansas C-
20 Massachusetts C-
21 Wisconsin C-
22 Connecticut C-
23 Indiana D+
24 Utah D+
25 Kentucky D+
26 Missouri D
27 New Mexico D
28 Washington D.C. D
29 Pennsylvania D
30 Michigan D
31 Delaware D-
32 Virginia D-
33 Alaska D-
34 Illinois D-
35 Alabama D-
36 Colorado D-
37 Oregon D-
38 Tennessee F
39 Washington F
40 New Jersey F
41 Maryland F
42 Nevada F
43 South Carolina F
44 Hawaii F
45 New York F
46 North Carolina F
47 Georgia F
48 Texas F
49 California F
50 Florida F
51 Arizona F

Our analysis shows that finding a truly safe state isn’t easy. Only three states earned top marks for senior safety, while 14 received failing grades. Surprisingly, several of the lowest-ranked states are also among the most popular retirement destinations.

We based the safety grades on scores on a 100-point scale spanning four categories:

Crime

In our survey, crime was the top safety concern for seniors. To measure criminal threats to older residents, we considered violent crime rates as well as fraud and scam rates.

  • Lowest crime: Maine, North Dakota, and New Hampshire have the lowest criminal threat to seniors.
  • Highest crime: Florida, Nevada, and Georgia ranked among the highest-crime areas (resulting in low scores), and the District of Columbia scored lowest, with zero points.

Healthcare Access

Access to quality geriatric care was seniors’ second-highest safety concern, just behind crime. We evaluated the number of hospitals, medical providers, and Medicare facilities per capita by state.

  • Best healthcare access: North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana — all scored over 90 points.
  • Worst healthcare access: Washington, Hawaii, and North Carolina scored lowest.

Weather

With rising global temperatures and stronger storms, weather safety has become a growing health concern. Seniors ranked it third in importance. We analyzed the number of weather-related injuries and deaths among older residents to create a weather safety score.

  • Fewest weather injuries and deaths: Despite potentially cold and icy conditions, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island had low weather-related injuries or fatalities.
  • Highest weather injuries and deaths: Hawaii, Kentucky, and Arizona have the highest weather risks among all states, but Arizona’s searing heat and heat-related fatalities significantly impacted its low score.

Traffic Conditions

Auto fatality rates rise sharply after age 70, and motor vehicle accidents are the second-leading cause of accidental death for seniors, after falls. We looked at the rate of fatal motor vehicle crashes in each state.

  • Safest roads: North Dakota, Alaska, and Vermont.
  • Most dangerous roads: Texas, Florida, and California.

The complete scores in the data appendix can help you see how your home state ranks in each category or explore potential retirement.

Spotlight: Five Safest States for Seniors

Seniors seeking safe states for retirement should skip most of the American South, and instead consider drifting to the nation’s High Plains. Four of the country’s five safest states for elderly Americans lie within that region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming). West Virginia was the sole outsider from the East.

Because seniors greatly prized healthcare access, high marks in that category proved a strong differentiator and driver for the top rankings. Additionally, the Plains states' low population density and sparse roadway networks resulted in excellent traffic and crime scores.

1. North Dakota – Safety Grade: A (97.1)

One of North Dakota's many nicknames is “Heaven on Earth”, which might be an apt description for seniors living there. North Dakota leads the nation across several of our safety categories, ranking first for elderly healthcare access and traffic safety, while finishing second for crime safety. That across-the-board consistency secured North Dakota the number one spot on our report card. Most notably, North Dakota notched a perfect score for healthcare, based partially on its renowned rural provider network, legislative initiatives promoting telehealth options, excellent nursing staff levels, and proximity to supplementary Canadian healthcare.

2. South Dakota – Safety Grade: A (94.1)

South Dakota is well known for four revered seniors carved into a mountainside, but its attractive environment should compel more retirees to rush to the Mount Rushmore State. As one might imagine, South Dakota mirrors many of its northern neighbor’s strengths. Specifically, it’s second in the nation for senior healthcare access (anchored by the statewide presence of primary healthcare providers like Sanford Health and Avera Health) and fifth for traffic safety. Its crime statistics are slightly less attractive but still better than average (rated 14th for senior crime safety). The numbers show that South Dakota isn’t only for bikers and bison – it’s a secure spot for retired seniors, earning one of our three “A” grades for safety.

3. West Virginia – Safety Grade: A (93.0)

With a composite score of 93, West Virginia rounds out our honor roll of “A” grade states. The Mountain State’s Appalachian location is a geographical anomaly among our top five finishers, but this equally rural domain shares several appealing safety traits for seniors. Most notably, WV ranked 4th in elderly healthcare access, boasting a robust in-state medical network and a pioneering Lighthouse Program that supplies in-home personal assistance to seniors who don’t qualify for other aid.

The state’s dedication to elderly citizens is further demonstrated by its Bureau of Senior Services – a cabinet-level agency coordinating its many senior-oriented services. Additionally, West Virginia has a relatively low crime rate that has been dropping further in recent years, and its climate features four mild seasons and very few dangerous storms or extreme weather events. It is also a safe proposition to take its country roads home, as West Virginia ranked 16th for senior traffic safety.

4. Wyoming – Safety Grade: B+ (89.5)

The Cowboy State ranks in the top ten for senior healthcare access (9th), senior crime safety (6th), and senior traffic safety (6th), which makes it an enticing retirement spot. Wyoming may seem an unconventional destination for older Americans. Still, its allure has not gone unnoticed: the state has experienced the most significant increase in retiree relocation over the past decade. This influx is rapidly raising the median age in the nation’s least populous state, with 20 percent of the population expected to be 65+ by 2030. Thankfully, local government is already adapting to the changing needs of its citizens, expanding senior community programs and establishing and launching a statewide program through the University of Wyoming to help older residents age and live with dignity. It also repealed “Certificate of Need” laws, allowing hospitals and nursing homes to expand their services more efficiently. Wyoming’s worst score came in weather safety (40th) due mainly to its cold and snowy winters. Locals may tell you that the state ranks high in sunshine, so one needn't have “True Grit” to endure the seasons.

5. Nebraska – Safety Grade: B+ (89.1)

Warren Buffett reigns as Nebraska's most famous elder citizen, but seniors needn’t be billionaires to feel safe and welcome in the Cornhusker State. Nebraska posted top ten ratings in elderly healthcare access (8th), crime safety (9th), and traffic safety (8th). Though Nebraska is the most populous state among our five safest, with 2M inhabitants, it remains small enough to maintain a community feel and minimize threats from car crashes and criminals. On the healthcare side, the celebrated University of Nebraska Medical Center is a leader in cancer research and geriatric care. The state is also forward-looking when caring for older residents, having enacted a four-year plan to solidify senior care. In recent years, the state’s tourism commission employed the slogan, “Nebraska, honestly, it's not for everyone,” which may be true…but it suits seniors in search of safety.

Spotlight: Five Most Dangerous States for Seniors

At the other end of the spectrum lie the five least-safe states for seniors. It should be noted that these states aren’t inherently “dangerous” to older residents, but that their conditions, climate, infrastructure, and healthcare access are less suited for elderly inhabitants.

A single catastrophic category, like Arizona’s dismal weather score or California’s risky roads, could drag down any state's grade. However, falling to the bottom of our report card generally required poor ratings across the board.

Among our bottom five finishers are two states widely celebrated as leading retirement destinations: Florida and Arizona. Both became popular among migrating “snowbirds” fleeing northern temperatures searching for the sun. More recently, climate change has sent mercury soaring, making each state uncomfortably and unhealthily hot.

Indeed, a destination’s popularity may inherently undermine rankings, as larger aging communities strain finite resources. Higher population density often increases traffic and crime: our five safest states average 1.2 million inhabitants, while our bottom five average 22.6 million citizens. One quarter of Americans age 65+ live in California, Florida, or Texas—all states ranked in our bottom five.

Here’s a deeper dive into each state’s challenges:

50. Arizona – Safety Grade: F (42.5)

Arizona’s flag depicts a setting sun, but this desert state’s reputation as an idyllic spot to spend one’s sunset years may be more mirage than oasis. Though the Grand Canyon State is home to nearly 2 million citizens aged 60+, we found it the nation’s least safe locale for seniors. AZ’s most challenging feature for older residents is its weather; its score of zero secured the last-place ranking for weather safety. Arizona averages more than 100 days above 100°F annually, with Phoenix enduring 113 consecutive days in triple digits in 2024. The state also suffered nearly 1,000 heat-related deaths in 2023 (most victims were aged 50+). A shortage of medical professionals has also turned rural Arizona areas into medical deserts, reflected in the state’s rank of 30th for elderly healthcare access. Rounding out the state’s poor scores, it ranked 39th for crime safety and 40th for traffic dangers.

49. Florida – Safety Grade: F (43.6)

Florida has one of the nation’s highest percentages of people 65 or older (21.7 percent of the state’s population), with many concentrated in mega-retirement communities so large they register as metropolitan areas. Ample sun and tropical vibes may be attractive to older Americans, but our senior safety grade puts the “F” in Florida. The state had the highest number of traffic fatalities involving drivers 65 or older by a wide margin and ranked 50th for senior traffic safety. The state also finished 45th for elder healthcare access, its low score driven by health aide worker shortages and spiking insurance rates. Additionally, the state ranked 48th for senior crime safety, while hot, humid conditions and plentiful hurricanes landed the Sunshine State in 25th place for weather risk.

48. California – Safety Grade: F (50.9)

Seniors who find themselves “California dreaming” of retirement in the Golden State may wish to reconsider in light of its failing grade for senior safety. As a heavily populated, sprawling state with numerous urban areas, traffic safety was California’s most notable security issue – it ranked worst in the nation (the state also has high rates of pedestrian deaths). The state also received a poor score for senior crime safety (38th) and middling marks for healthcare access (24th). Finally, despite a reputation for moderate temperatures, California finished 21st for weather conditions as wildfires regularly threaten large swaths of the state and make air quality unsuitable for older lungs.

47. Texas – Safety Grade: F (51.2)

Wide open spaces and favorable financial conditions may tempt retiring Americans to relocate to Texas. Still, seniors concerned about safety should think twice before hanging their Stetson in the Lone Star State. Texas received bottom-tier rankings for traffic safety (49th) and crime (40th). At the same time, intense storms, flash flooding, and oppressive temperatures, coupled with a troubled power grid, contributed to the state's 42nd place for weather safety. The Republic’s best score was for healthcare access (23rd), but a significant disparity between availability in urban and rural areas undermines that overall ranking. Notably, 28 percent of its counties have no hospital, meaning little access for those deep in the heart of Texas. Local seniors stranded far from physicians might admit that bigger isn't always better, even in Texas.

46. Georgia – Safety Grade: F (52.7)

Seniors searching for a safe retirement may not find Georgia “peachy”. Georgia earned an F for elder security. Despite hot, humid summers and occasional powerful storms, Georgia ranked middle of the pack for weather safety (27th). Unfortunately, that was the state’s best category. Though Atlanta is a renowned medical hub, availability and outcomes drop dramatically for those in the state’s rural areas, resulting in a 40th-place ranking for elderly healthcare. Conversely, Atlanta’s congestion and crime negatively impacted Georgia’s other rankings, leaving the state 47th for traffic conditions and 50th for senior crime safety.

Conclusion

Retirement should be a time to feel safe, supported, and at peace. By combining nationwide data with the priorities shared by older Americans, our report highlights the states that offer the strongest foundations for healthy, secure, and fulfilling later years.

Whether you plan to stay close to home or relocate, this report card can help you weigh your options, protect your well-being, and make confident decisions for yourself and your family. With the correct information, older Americans can choose places that allow them to age with dignity and safety.

Data Appendix

Rank State Safety grade Healthcare access score Weather score Traffic score Crime score Total safety score
1 North Dakota A 100.0 92.3 100.0 95.8 97.1
2 South Dakota A 96.7 91.7 99.4 90.1 94.1
3 West Virginia A 89.4 97.8 96.5 91.2 93.0
4 Wyoming B+ 83.0 84.7 99.3 93.7 89.5
5 Nebraska B+ 83.8 85.5 98.5 91.2 89.1
6 Kansas B+ 84.6 96.0 95.8 81.0 87.9
7 Montana B 91.8 84.9 96.8 79.7 87.5
8 Maine B 56.2 96.0 97.9 100.0 85.6
9 Iowa B- 58.5 87.2 96.3 94.2 82.3
10 Vermont B- 51.0 93.6 99.7 92.7 81.6
11 Mississippi C+ 87.3 59.2 87.4 82.5 79.8
12 New Hampshire C+ 35.4 97.6 98.4 95.0 78.2
13 Minnesota C 40.0 98.5 95.3 89.0 77.4
14 Idaho C 37.9 88.7 97.3 92.6 76.2
15 Rhode Island C 24.1 99.0 98.4 90.6 73.8
16 Louisiana C 75.1 89.2 87.3 52.7 73.4
17 Oklahoma C 55.7 71.4 90.5 79.8 72.6
18 Ohio C- 43.5 98.7 70.8 81.4 71.9
19 Arkansas C- 57.9 85.5 91.7 63.6 71.6
20 Massachusetts C- 36.0 100.0 83.2 78.7 71.2
21 Wisconsin C- 22.2 96.9 91.3 87.5 70.6
22 Connecticut C- 20.6 99.8 88.2 87.2 70.1
23 Indiana D+ 31.5 93.1 84.2 81.2 69.4
24 Utah D+ 14.1 89.9 98.0 91.2 68.9
25 Kentucky D+ 45.6 51.0 86.7 93.8 68.9
26 Missouri D 49.7 78.0 84.4 67.8 67.5
27 New Mexico D 44.2 93.2 94.8 55.1 67.0
28 Washington D.C. D 88.5 96.0 99.7 0.0 64.9
29 Pennsylvania D 26.6 98.1 72.8 74.2 64.8
30 Michigan D 30.0 97.8 75.4 69.0 64.6
31 Delaware D- 24.5 98.9 97.9 53.0 62.2
32 Virginia D- 3.1 98.9 88.1 77.2 61.5
33 Alaska D- 27.2 85.2 99.9 56.4 61.5
34 Illinois D- 22.7 96.1 69.8 70.1 61.4
35 Alabama D- 26.0 84.4 83.7 66.3 61.2
36 Colorado D- 18.7 90.3 90.8 64.2 60.9
37 Oregon D- 14.7 75.3 87.9 79.3 60.6
38 Tennessee F 42.8 74.0 76.1 57.6 59.9
39 Washington F 2.6 96.9 83.0 75.6 59.6
40 New Jersey F 3.6 97.4 81.0 75.4 59.5
41 Maryland F 18.8 98.9 86.0 53.5 58.6
42 Nevada F 31.9 77.5 95.1 48.4 58.0
43 South Carolina F 21.7 89.7 83.1 56.1 57.8
44 Hawaii F 1.1 54.9 98.9 90.3 57.4
45 New York F 8.8 98.6 64.3 66.5 55.6
46 North Carolina F 0.0 91.4 76.5 66.7 53.7
47 Georgia F 20.2 92.3 69.3 47.2 52.7
48 Texas F 36.8 79.8 26.2 59.8 51.2
49 California F 36.5 95.8 0.0 63.0 50.9
50 Florida F 12.0 92.9 23.1 51.9 43.6
51 Arizona F 30.0 0.0 80.5 62.5 42.5

Methodology

Survey Design

We conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered online survey to assess U.S. seniors’ perceptions of safety. Participants were aged 65+, residing in the United States, and provided informed consent. The survey included multiple-choice, ranking, and open-ended questions to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. It was conducted in July 2025, yielding 500 completed and eligible responses.

Participants were recruited through a national online research platform capable of delivering a diverse, census-matched sample.

Weighting of Safety Factors

Respondents were asked to rank four safety factors in order of importance when considering an ideal place to live: Low crime, access to quality healthcare, safe weather, and safe traffic.

Each ranking position (1–4) was assigned a point value. Scores for each factor were summed across all respondents and divided by the total possible points to calculate relative weights. Testing confirmed the ranking remained stable across exponential, parabolic, and non-linear point scales.

Final ranking and weights for each factor:

  1. Low crime: 31%
  2. Access to quality healthcare: 30%
  3. Safe weather: 21%
  4. Safe traffic: 18%

The final score for each state is the weighted average of its four subscores (using the survey-derived factor weights). This methodology ensures that the rankings reflect both objective data and the priorities of older Americans.

Healthcare Access Subscore

A separate survey of 500 U.S. seniors aged 65+, conducted on April 23, 2024, was used to determine the relative importance of healthcare metrics. Respondents rated each metric on a 5-point scale from “not at all important” to “extremely important,” and comparative weights were calculated.

Metrics and weights:

Weather Subscore

Weather safety reflects the risk posed by extreme conditions and climate-related hazards. Seniors ranked this factor third in importance.

Data and calculation:

Traffic Subscore

Traffic safety accounts for the increased risk of motor vehicle accidents among older adults, which is the second-leading cause of accidental death after falls.

Data and calculation:

  1. Baseline rural and urban vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per state were obtained from the 2009 Bureau of Transportation Statistics report.
  2. VMT was projected forward to 2022 using changes measured in the 2009 and 2022 National Household Travel Survey for each Census district.
  3. Fatal accident data came from the 2023 Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) dataset.
  4. The fatal accident rate per mile was calculated for rural and urban areas separately. The final traffic score is a weighted average based on the proportion of the population living in rural versus urban areas.

Crime Subscore

Crime safety reflects seniors’ concern about both violent crime and fraud or scams.

Data and calculation:

  • Survey respondents rated their level of worry about violent crime and fraud on a 5-point Likert scale. Points were assigned based on intensity of worry, and proportional weights were calculated:
    • Fraud or scams: 53%
    • Violent crime: 47%
  • Data sources: