As a relatively recent retiree, imagine my disappointment in seeing this (From Kiplinger):

50. Kentucky

Although Kentucky is known for horse racing, bourbon, bluegrass music and southern hospitality, the state is prone to various natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes. That (and other things, like humidity and pesky bugs) lands Kentucky at the bottom in 2026, where it also ended up in 2025.

Even with a low cost of living — about 19% lower than the U.S. average — the Bluegrass State still lands in the 50th spot. Residents in Kentucky spend about $250 per week on food at home and $96 on eating out. In comparison, a meal at a restaurant in New York City can cost upwards of $100 or more. The average home will set you back $232,231, down 0.3% over the past year.

Kentucky’s tax system generally suits retirees — there is no tax on Social Security, and seniors also enjoy a sizable deduction of $31,110 per individual for state, private and military retirement plans. However, pensions are partially taxed, and 401(k) and IRA distributions are taxable. Plus, the overall quality of life and health care options is not the best.

Problem is, this is only one list, but Kentucky is a bottom feeder on multiple quality of life for retirees lists. The map at the top of this post is from WalletHub.

Perhaps one of the reasons Kentucky is scraping the bottom is because when people were still working, they had this as a minimum wage:

So, the message we’re getting, as residents of the state, is that you shouldn’t retire here and you shouldn’t expect to get a decent wage when you’re still of working age.