NEW JERSEY — New Jersey ranked as the nation’s fifth-worst state for military retirees in a new WalletHub study released ahead of Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month.
The personal finance website compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia using 28 indicators related to quality of life for veterans after military service, including employment opportunities, housing affordability and access to veterans health care.
New Jersey placed 47th overall in the 2026 rankings.
Among the categories measured, New Jersey ranked last in veterans per capita and veteran-owned businesses, according to the report. The state also ranked near the bottom for veteran job opportunities and housing affordability.
WalletHub reported New Jersey ranked:
- 51st in veterans per capita
- 50th in veteran job opportunities
- 51st in percentage of veteran-owned businesses
- 41st in quality of Veterans Affairs hospitals
- 38th in housing affordability
- 37th in percentage of homeless veterans
- 34th in number of VA health facilities per veteran population
The study was released as the nation prepares to observe Memorial Day later this month.
WalletHub also highlighted several Memorial Day-related facts, including that more than 100 million households worldwide are expected to watch the National Memorial Day Parade on television and about 3.7 million people are expected to travel by plane during the holiday weekend. WalletHub also noted that 100 members of the current Congress have served in the U.S. military.
The full report and methodology are available on WalletHub’s website.
