Montana Veterans

I’d argue Montana is about as American as it gets. From the stars and stripes flying on porches and businesses/organizations supporting veterans —our patriotism runs deep. Veterans are respected here, no doubt about it. That’s why this recent study surprised me.

Credit: Canva

WalletHub just released its 2025 list of the “Best & Worst States for Military Retirees,” and... let’s just say Montana didn’t exactly shine. In fact, we came in shockingly low.

But let’s back up for a second—how did they come to that conclusion?

When military members retire, the challenges don’t stop at discharge. Unlike civilian retirement, they’re often facing issues like PTSD, disabilities, a loss of camaraderie, and in some heartbreaking cases, homelessness. And with the current economy, those struggles are even tougher to manage.

Source: WalletHub

WalletHub analyzed all 50 states across several key areas—tax policies on military benefits, job markets, access to healthcare, veteran services, and overall quality of life. It wasn’t just about how much we "support the troops" in spirit, but how well we back that up with real resources.

So, where did Montana land? 41st. Out of 50. Yikes...

Overall Score (out of 100) : 47.23
Economic Rank: 35
Quality of Life: 19
Health Care: 42

Yeah... not exactly the patriotic powerhouse we pride ourselves on being. While we have the heart, the data suggests we might be falling short on the support systems that truly matter.

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Do you think this study got it right? What can we do better for our veterans? Let us know HERE.

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Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

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Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

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Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

Source: Montana Near Bottom In Best States For Military Retirees List

Filed Under: Cost of Living, veterans

Categories: Montana News