7. Minnesota

The only Midwestern state to consistently breach the absolute top tier, Minnesota thrives on a highly diversified economy. The Minneapolis-St. Paul region is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies across retail, medical technology, banking, and agribusiness. Minnesota also boasts exceptional labor force participation rates and consistent wage growth, ensuring that its residents build solid, uninterrupted earning histories—a critical factor in the Social Security calculation formula.

8. Washington

The Pacific Northwest economic engine is fueled by massive aerospace and technology sectors. With companies pulling global talent to the Seattle region, Washington has experienced decades of explosive wage growth. Because technology compensation packages frequently push base salaries beyond the Social Security taxable maximum, retirees who built their careers here naturally collect top-tier federal benefits.