Best states for U.S. Veterans

Unsurprisingly, many veterans find it challenging to adjust to ordinary life after leaving the military. Research shows that 32% of veterans find it “somewhat difficult” to get used to civilian life, while 16% find it “very difficult.”  

There are several reasons for this, but the difficulty of finding a job, rebuilding support systems, and coping with PTSD are some of the main issues that veterans face. This is why it’s so important for states to provide disability benefits, job placement assistance, housing assistance, and health care benefits for veterans (and anyone within the military community).  

If you’re a veteran who’s struggling, just know that transitioning to civilian life may be easier in some states than others. Certain places offer a more supportive environment for those who have fought for our country.  

Many of the states that we’ll be discussing on this list, for example, have established Veterans Affairs services, and have better job opportunities for veterans — as well as a strong disabled veteran community in general.  

The experts at AmericanFlag.com have compiled a list of the best states for veterans. We’ll be going over what these states have to offer in terms of support for veterans in detail below, so stick around! 

The Best States for Veterans  

American Legion in Alaska American Legion in Alaska

Did you know that Alaska has the most veterans of any state? Around 12.2% of people in Alaska are veterans, which means about one out of every eight people there served in the military. This high number of veterans has created a supportive community that appreciates and respects their contributions to the United States of America.  

The Great Plains region is also a great place for veterans who want to transition back to civilian life. Five states in this area — North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana — are among the top 10 states that are friendly to veterans.  

These states provide helpful services, strong veteran communities, and job opportunities that suit veterans who are starting a new chapter in their lives.  

Additionally, some good news has come out about jobs for veterans. In March of 2022, the unemployment rate for veterans was 2.4%, which is lower than the rate for non-veterans. In 33 states, veterans have lower unemployment rates than non-veterans.  

This decrease in veteran unemployment is thanks to successful programs that assist veterans in finding meaningful jobs and fitting into the workforce. Now, let’s take a closer look at the best states for veterans below: 

Alaska 

Alaska is considered to be the best state for veterans for a number of reasons. One key factor is the existence of nine military bases in the state, which has led to a large veteran population and a better quality of life for veterans in general. 

Not only that, but economic prospects for veterans in Alaska are bright, as only 4% of Alaska veterans were jobless based on 2020 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

This figure is lower than the general unemployment rate in the state, so if you’re a veteran, it’s a good bet that you won’t have too much trouble finding a job in Alaska. 

Alaska also provides unique benefits to the veteran community including the 

  • Veterans Land Discount program: Veterans receive a one-time 25% discount on unoccupied, state-owned residential or recreation land.  
  • Veterans Mortgage Program with low-interest financing: Veterans who want to purchase a home are eligible for lower interest rates and pay a much smaller down payment on their home.  
  • Property tax exemption for disabled veterans 

If you’re a veteran living in Alaska, consider showing your pride with an Alaskan state flag. 

South Dakota 

If you’re a military veteran who happens to live in South Dakota, then you can look forward to plenty of fantastic benefits. South Dakota is a great place to live for veterans who feel like they need a little extra support while getting acclimated to civilian life. 

Additional state benefits include this state having the highest percentage of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, with nearly 70% participating. This is great news for veterans with disabilities and health issues. It also has the second-highest number of veteran facilities available per 10,000 veterans. 
 
Proud to be a veteran in South Dakota? Celebrate your service and state pride with a South Dakota flag. 

Wyoming 

Like South Dakota, Wyoming offers some of the best support for veterans in the country. Wyoming has the most VA (Veterans Affairs) facilities per 10,000 veterans, with 4.23 facilities available. This state also ranks sixth in the percentage of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, with 58.7% actively involved in VHA programs. 

These numbers show that Wyoming is dedicated to providing veteran residents with healthcare services and other support systems. Wyoming, as you may or may not know, is also home to Yellowstone National Park. If you’re a veteran or are currently serving in the military, you can get into the park for free! 
 
Wyoming veterans, stand tall and show your pride! Fly a Wyoming flag and celebrate your service and state spirit. 

Nebraska 

Among all of the states in the nation, Nebraska stands out for having the lowest unemployment rate among veterans. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska veterans had an impressive unemployment rate of 2.7%. 

In comparison, the state's unemployment rate for non-veterans was slightly lower at 2.1%. Not only that, but Nebraska has one of the lowest rates of veteran poverty in the country. This quality of life factor is something to write home about! 
 
If you’re a veteran calling Nebraska home, honor your roots with a Nebraska state flag that proudly represents the Cornhusker State. 

Maine 

Maine offers a welcoming environment for veterans, with 10.5% of private businesses owned by those who have served, fostering a strong sense of military community. Despite an overall unemployment rate of nearly 4%, the state is committed to supporting veterans through various benefits. For example, veterans and Gold Star spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for state jobs automatically receive an interview, giving them an advantage in the job market.  

Additionally, veterans are eligible for a free lifetime pass to Maine state parks and museums, providing opportunities for recreation and relaxation. These benefits, along with a robust healthcare system, make Maine an appealing place for veterans to live and work. 
 
Maine veterans, show your pride in the Pine Tree State. Fly a Maine flag and honor your service and heritage. 

Honorable Mentions: South Carolina, Virginia, and Alabama 

South Carolina is home to a huge number of veterans. They make up about 10% of the adult population and own 10.5% of the private businesses in the state. South Carolina’s low cost of living allows veterans to have about $30,000 left after paying for housing, which is great news. However, veteran unemployment is slightly higher compared to the state's overall unemployment rate. 

Virginia, where the Department of Defense is located, is tied with South Carolina as one of the best states for veterans. Less than 5% of veterans in Virginia live below the poverty line, and their unemployment rate matches the statewide rate. Virginia veterans also have the second-highest annual income level after housing in the country. 

Like Maine, Alabama has a high rate of veteran-owned businesses (just over 11%). Veterans in Alabama also have a relatively high income after housing expenses. Although veteran unemployment in the state is slightly higher in comparison to the overall rate, the presence of veteran-owned businesses makes Alabama an especially attractive choice for veterans. 

The Best Place to Buy Veterans Commemorative and Retirement Flags 

Are you a veteran who’s been looking for a commemorative flag to fly from your front porch or hang inside your home? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at AmericanFlags.com, we have military flags, commemorative retirement flags, and more. 

Whether you’re looking to get a Support Our Troops flag to hang on the wall above your bed, or simply want to buy a service medallion, we’ve got it all! We also offer Navy flags, U.S. Marine Corps Flags, and Air Force flags. 

Feel free to browse our wide selection of military flags. Our staff is available from Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have about our products.