Revealed: Top U.S. Counties Where Retirees Earn the Most in 2026

The retirement pensions in the US show significant variations from one state to another. Behind the national average, there are actually substantial differences depending on the region. The disparity can amount to several hundred dollars a month for certain areas. In the US, the average pension is around $1,800 gross per month, combining basic and supplementary retirement plans. However, it’s important to note that a former private sector employee, a former government worker, a merchant, or a farmer do not have the same career paths, contribution levels, or entitlements at the time of retirement. The state in which one’s career was spent also plays a crucial role.

This is why some maps showing pension distributions across the US can almost mirror salary maps. Major employment centers, metropolitan areas, and territories where careers are longer or better compensated show higher than average amounts. Conversely, more rural states, characterized by lower incomes or a high presence of former self-employed individuals and agricultural operators, fall well below the average.

At the top of the 2026 rankings, the states where Americans receive the highest pensions are largely concentrated around the New York City area. New York leads with an average pension of $2,131 gross per month, followed by New Jersey at $2,081 and Connecticut at $2,065. Next are Massachusetts with $1,877, Rhode Island with $1,790, Pennsylvania with $1,727, and Maryland with $1,711. Outside the Northeast, California, Texas, and Florida round out the top 10.

At the other end of the spectrum, Puerto Rico closes the list with an average pension of $1,189 gross per month. Following are Hawaii with $1,271, Montana with $1,297, Alaska with $1,318, South Dakota with $1,319, and West Virginia with $1,325. States like Mississippi, Arkansas, Idaho, and Wyoming are also among the lowest ranked.

However, while retirees in the New York City area might receive more substantial pensions on paper, it is essential to consider the cost of living. Housing and general expenses in metropolitan regions demand a significantly higher budget than those in rural states. Regardless, these regional disparities underline a golden rule: the importance of planning well for one’s retirement and regularly checking retirement benefits to avoid any surprises when the time comes.