20 U.S. Cities Where Retirees Collect the Biggest Social Security Checks

Social Security remains one of the most important sources of retirement income in the United States. Created under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, the program was designed to provide federal old-age benefits to retired workers. Today, benefits are still tied to a worker’s earnings history, with full retirement age generally falling between 66 and 67 depending on birth year. Eligible Americans can claim as early as 62, though doing so usually means receiving a reduced monthly benefit.

For My Investing News readers, Social Security is a key part of the retirement planning picture. Monthly benefits can vary widely depending on lifetime earnings, claiming age, and where retirees live. To find the 20 U.S. cities and census-designated places where residents collect the highest Social Security income, this list uses 2025 data from SmartAsset and ranks each location in descending order.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.