During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act to offer financial benefits to citizens over 65. The Act provided benefits to workers based on their lifetime earnings and was established to help provide retired citizens with federal old-age benefits. The Act was signed Aug. 14, 1935; lump-sum payments began 1937–1939 and monthly benefits started Jan. 1940. Since that time, millions of Americans have benefited from social security checks dispersed after their retirement (Today, Social Security’s full retirement age is 66–67 depending on birth year, and you can claim as early as 62 with a reduction).
Social security benefits are based on a citizen’s overall wage earnings. To find the 20 US cities (or census-designated places) with the highest social security income, 24/7 Wall St. used data from 2025’s SmartAsset.com, an online financial technology company. We listed the top 20 cities where residents collect the most social security income and ranked them in descending order.
This post was updated to clarify the purpose of establishing Social Security, the year it was implemented, and age at which you can draw, as well as to provide updated 2025 information.
Social Security income helps millions of people better enjoy their retirement.
Any conversation about Social Security is immediately connected to 24/7 Wall St. How well the overall economy is performing directly impacts Social Security and retirement income. Social Security is related to many of the finance topics we cover around creating a larger nest egg for yourself, including which stocks you should consider buying. The stock market’s performance will also affect how well someone lives during retirement. This is why we are well-suited to cover this topic.
20. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, offers a beautiful downtown and plenty of outdoor activities.
- Social Security Income: $26,144
- Retirement Account Income: $40,668
- Total Retirement Income: $66,812
You’ll fall in love with Madison, Wisconsin, with just one drive through town. Slightly more than 13% of the city’s population is 65 and over, all of whom enjoy outdoor activities during the day and a busy nightlife.
19. San Tan Valley, Arizona
San Tan Valley offers planned communities for an easy social life.
- Social Security Income: $26,202
- Retirement Account Income: $26,435
- Total Retirement Income: $52,637
While only 12% of San Tan Valley, Arizona, is 65 and over, this doesn’t diminish the fact that it’s a beautiful place to live. Homes are relatively inexpensive, and with 100,000 people, the area is full of activities and things to do.
18. Surprise, Arizona
With its beautiful weather, you’re in for a surprise in Surprise, Arizona.
- Social Security Income: $26,263
- Retirement Account Income: $33,487
- Total Retirement Income: $59,750
A suburb of Phoenix, over 23% of the city’s 145,000 residents are over 65. The city has a very low crime rate, affordable, and typically excellent Arizona weather.
17. St. George, Utah
St. George, Utah, offers plenty of open air and things to do.
- Social Security Income: $26,298
- Retirement Account Income: $31,095
- Total Retirement Income: $57,393
While St. George, Utah, might be 20th on this list of the highest Social Security incomes, it’s still a great place to live. In total, 23% of the area is 65 and over, and it’s long been considered one of the best places to retire in Utah.
16. Cary, North Carolina
Cary, North Carolina, offers a fantastic climate and is near Raleigh.
- Social Security Income: $26,321
- Retirement Account Income: $38,986
- Total Retirement Income: $65,307
It’s hard to ignore how attractive Cary, North Carolina, can be for retirees. Located outside of Raleigh, you have a moderate climate and more outdoor activities than you know what to do with.
15. Olathe, Kansas
Olathe has a fantastic farmers market that retirees can enjoy every week.
- Social Security Income: $26,423
- Retirement Account Income: $27,395
- Total Retirement Income: $53,818
People often come to Olathe, Kansas, because it’s a great place to grow old. The city is full of traditional Midwestern charms and plenty of things to do, and it’s a great place for both families and retirees.
14. Fishers, Indiana
Fishers, Indiana, offers a busy local economy and plenty of recreational activities.
- Social Security Income: $26,552
- Retirement Account Income: $34,775
- Total Retirement Income: $61,327
There are many reasons why Fishers, Indiana, is often listed on “best places to live” lists. Between overall safety, a suburban feel, and an excellent list of things to do, it’s outstanding for retirees.
13. Allen, Texas
Like other cities in Texas, Allen residents don’t worry about state income tax.
- Social Security Income: $26,585
- Retirement Account Income: $33,522
- Total Retirement Income: $60,107
Allen, Texas, has a population of around 105,000, and around 12% of the population is 65 or over. More importantly, Allen, Texas, is full of life, offering plenty of outdoor activities and an active lifestyle. For families, it has excellent public schools and a strong job market.
12. Goodyear, Arizona
Goodyear, Arizona, enjoys a hot climate year-round and plenty of hiking and walking trails.
- Social Security Income: $26,732
- Retirement Account Income: $35,004
- Total Retirement Income: $61,736
With almost 19% of its population being 65 and older, it’s no surprise that Goodyear, Arizona, is a top US city for retirement. Located outside of Phoenix with a population of around 100,000, Goodyear is a great blend of a city to retire and a great place to raise a family.
11. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale residents will enjoy Arizona’s desert climate and a lengthy list of things to do.
- Social Security Income: $26,794
- Retirement Account Income: $41,553
- Total Retirement Income: $68,347
With excellent weather, terrific outdoor activities, and wonderful nightlife in Scottsdale, Arizona, it is hard to imagine it being anything but a great place to live.
10. Sunnyvale, California
Sunnyvale has a terrific climate and a strong economy thanks to many technology headquarters.
- Social Security Income: $26,876
- Retirement Account Income: $44,092
- Total Retirement Income: $70,968
With 13% of the Sunnyvale, California population over 65, Sunnyvale retirees have a strong total retirement income to rely on. Plus, there is plenty to do in this city of over 154,000.
9. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, especially Old Town, is full of life and completely walkable.
- Social Security Income: $27,124
- Retirement Account Income: $52,199
- Total Retirement Income: $79,323
In Alexandria, Virginia, around 12% of the population is 65 and over, all enjoying their Social Security benefits. The same group will enjoy an area known for its many outdoor activities and strong dining and nightlife.
8. Naperville, Illinois
Naperville is widely seen as one of the best cities to live in Illinois.
- Social Security Income: $27,302
- Retirement Account Income: $48,740
- Total Retirement Income: $76,042
Often cited as the best cities in Illinois, Naperville is a great place to live for your entire life. With 16% of the city’s population aged 65 and older, a growing community of retirees is taking advantage of the suburban feel of Naperville.
7. Frisco, Texas
Frisco, Texas, is a great place to retire, especially with no state income tax.
- Social Security Income: $27,411
- Retirement Account Income: $36,112
- Total Retirement Income: $63,523
Frisco, Texas, is often regarded as one of Dallas’ best suburbs for all the right reasons. The area’s low cost of living is also a great choice for the 10% of the population of Social Security age.
6. Sugar Land, Texas
Sugar Land is considered one of the best suburbs in all of Texas.
- Social Security Income: $27,713
- Retirement Account Income: $42,952
- Total Retirement Income: $70,665
Frequently identified as one of the best places to live in Texas, it’s unsurprising to see Sugar Land, Texas, on this list. With 19% of the city’s population over 65, it’s a great place to consider retiring. Between a low cost of living, inexpensive housing, and plenty to do, there is little not to like.
5. The Woodlands, Texas
The Woodlands is the ideal Texas suburb with many recreational and outdoor activities.
- Social Security Income: $27,835
- Retirement Account Income: $53,022
- Total Retirement Income: $80,857
Almost 18% of The Woodlands, Texas’s 118,400 residents, are 65 and over. There is a good reason why retirees gravitate here: It’s full of parks, restaurants, and things to do. There is also a strong sense of community, which means a full social life for retirees.
4. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge is in the heart of New England and offers a rare combination of both history and outstanding recreation.
- Social Security Income: $27,981
- Retirement Account Income: $52,603
- Total Retirement Income: $80,584
Cambridge, a city with a population of 13.8% over 65, is ranked extremely high for outdoor activities, making it ideal for retirees. Residents get something of an urban feel but a strong nightlife full of restaurants and things to do.
3. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
As far as the eye can see, Highlands Ranch has beautiful scenery.
- Social Security Income: $28,042
- Retirement Account Income: $52,776
- Total Retirement Income: $80,818
A suburb of Denver, Highlands Ranch has more than 15% of its residents listed as 65 and over. While it has a higher cost of living, it’s also full of outdoor activities and great for families.
2. Carmel, Indiana
Carmel is a quiet, slower town that is perfect for retirees who also want to slow down.
- Social Security Income: $30,447
- Retirement Account Income: $36,804
- Total Retirement Income: $67,251
Even though Carmel, Indiana, ranks 2nd overall, it’s the only other city outside the number one choice offering over $30,000 in annual Social Security income. It also ranks high for housing, jobs, cost of living, and outdoor activities.
1. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is one of the most ideal locations for enjoying a slow pace of life while still having plenty to do.
- Social Security Income: $30,986
- Retirement Account Income: $42,112
- Total Retirement Income: $73,098
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is well-suited for retirement, with the largest Social Security benefits at $30,428 annually. With a 65-and-over population of 11.9%, the city strongly attracts retirees who want to enjoy their days with fantastic walking and biking trails and a fantastic small-town charm.
Top Gaining Stocks
Top Losing Stocks