New data released this month from FinanceBuzz shows that in 43 states, at least 85% of adults age 65 and older already receive Social Security benefits.
But it varies widely from state to state, with some seniors in some states being much more reliant than others. According to FinanceBuzz’s latest study, 96.3% of retirees in South Dakota receive Social Security benefits, the highest rate in the country.
Meanwhile, Washington D.C. has the lowest rate at 74.8%, no doubt influenced by the higher percentage of government job retirees who may not be eligible for Social Security and have government pensions. According to the new research, Social Security benefits only make up 34% of the median income for D.C. residents 65 and older.
Mississippi ranks as the state most reliant on Social Security income, with that income making up nearly 50% of total income for people ages 65 and older.
According to the Social Security Administration’s 2026 COLA Fact Sheet, the average Social Security benefit nationwide in 2026 is $2,071 per month.
The research team at FinanceBuzz analyzed government data to determine the average income of people over 65, the average annual Social Security benefit received in each state, and more to better understand seniors’ financial situation and reliance on Social Security to explore its role as a critical safety net nationwide.
1. Mississippi
• Median annual income: $44,031
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $21,809
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 49.5%
2. West Virginia
• Median annual income: $45,778
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,421
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 49.0%
3. Kentucky
• Median annual income: $46,685
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,227
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 47.6%
4. Indiana
• Median annual income: $52,592
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $24,388
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 46.4%
5. Arkansas
• Median annual income: $48,078
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,183
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 46.1%
6. Louisiana
• Median annual income: $47,263
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $21,572
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 45.6%
7. Alabama
• Median annual income: $50,483
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,962
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 45.5%
8. Michigan
• Median annual income: $54,599
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $24,705
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 45.2%
9. Oklahoma
• Median annual income: $51,209
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $23,020
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 45.0%
10. Wisconsin
• Median annual income: $55,336
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $24,354
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 44.0%
1. Hawaii
• Median annual income: $91,390
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $23,634
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 25.9%
2. Alaska
• Median annual income: $74,308
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,858
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 30.8%
3. California
• Median annual income: $71,673
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,861
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 31.9%
4. Maryland
• Median annual income: $75,539
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $25,509
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 33.8%
5. District of Columbia
• Median annual income: $70,668
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $23,865
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 33.8%
6. Utah
• Median annual income: $70,712
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $24,580
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 34.8%
7. New Jersey
• Median annual income: $72,905
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $26,023
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 35.7%
8. Massachusetts
• Median annual income: $69,095
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $24,742
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 35.8%
9. Nevada
• Median annual income: $63,688
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $22,902
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 36.0%
10. Colorado
• Median annual income: $67,322
• Avg. annual 65+ Social Security income: $24,298
• % of Median 65+ Income from Social Security: 36.1%
Check out the complete FinanceBuzz report here.
SEE ALSO:
• 2025 Inflation Rate Lowest Since 2020 as Average 2026 Social Security Checks Top $2K
• 2026 Medicare Part B Increase to Eat Up Much of Social Security COLA Raise