Best States with Veteran Benefits in 2021
It can be tricky to answer the question, “Which are the best states for military benefits?” because the answer depends greatly on your priorities and preferences. Do you need access to a range of medical treatment options? Are you planning on buying a home and want to know where the best housing markets are? Is education your priority?
That said, there are several states that offer more for veterans by the virtue of being home to a multitude of bases or installations. The variety of options open to a veteran in these states will likely be more appealing than areas with fewer options.
1. South Dakota
Veterans as percent of the population: 8.55%
Median veteran income: $42,196 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 23.89%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 10.45%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 21.04
Veteran poverty rate: 6.6%
2. Wyoming
Veterans as percent of the population: 9.37%
Median veteran income: $46,295 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 23.59%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 8.79%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 28.99
Veteran poverty rate: 7.1%
3. North Dakota
Veterans as percent of the population: 7.97%
Median veteran income: $49,557 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 19.90%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 8.11%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 19.55
Veteran poverty rate: 6.7%
4. West Virginia
Veterans as percent of the population: 8.46%
Median veteran income: $38,436 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 18.95%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 9.82%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 12.39
Veteran poverty rate: 7.9%
5. Maine
Veterans as percent of the population: 8.89%
Median veteran income: $38,647 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 29.31%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 8.6%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 11.29
Veteran poverty rate: 6.4%
6. Alaska
Veterans as percent of the population: 10.74%
Median veteran income: $51,892 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 29.88%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 11.6%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 10.48
Veteran poverty rate: 6.6%
7. Nebraska
Veterans as percent of the population: 7.72%
Median veteran income: $45,359
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 24.68%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 8.74%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 10.70
Veteran poverty rate: 5.9%
8. New Hampshire
Veterans as percent of the population: 8.52%
Median veteran income: $45,415
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 36.25%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 9.42%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 7.46
Veteran poverty rate: 6.1%
9. Montana
Veterans as percent of the population: 10.28%
Median veteran income: $36,853
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 27.97%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 9.38%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 20.86
Veteran poverty rate: 7.7%
10. Hawaii
Veterans as percent of the population: 8.45%
Median veteran income: $50,701 per year
Housing costs as percent of median veteran income: 39.41%
Share of veteran-owned businesses: 9.08%
VA Health facilities per 100,000 veterans: 8.85
Veteran poverty rate: 5.8%