Average Retirement Income by Age and State

Retirement planning is built on projections, but averages shape your financial reality. It’s not enough to know how much you need; you benefit from understanding how your financial picture compares to others. One way to determine this is by looking at the average retirement income in the United States, categorized by age group and state.

The breakdown by age, from Empower, looking at the 2025 U.S. Census Current Population Survey, shows how the median and mean annual income for retirees change across different age brackets, from the more active 55-59 and 60-64 age groups to the later-stage 75+ age group. We also examine data on average retirement incomes across all 50 states, provided by Wisevoter and based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Knowing the average retirement income for your age bracket and state helps you benchmark your savings progress. If the median household income for retirees in your state is, for example, $65,000, and your projected income is $40,000, you are below the local benchmark. To maintain a similar standard of living in your area, you may decide you need to increase your savings or reduce your expected spending.