A new national report has placed West Virginia near the bottom of the list when it comes to supporting older adults in the workforce. Ranked 48th overall, the state faces significant hurdles in providing opportunities and resources for workers aged 65 and older.
The study, conducted by Seniorly, analyzed workforce conditions for seniors across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Federation of Tax Administrators. Six categories were used to determine rankings: median senior income, state income tax burden, participation in the workforce, remote work prevalence, business growth, and workplace age discrimination.
West Virginia performed especially poorly in labor force engagement, with only 22.1% of residents aged 65 and older remaining active in the workforce—the lowest rate in the country. Additionally, the state had one of the smallest shares of remote-working seniors at just 9.4%.
Business growth in West Virginia has also seen a significant dip. The state reported an 18.1% decline in new business applications, placing it 49th nationwide for entrepreneurial activity. These economic conditions create added challenges for older adults who may seek employment or new ventures later in life.
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One bright spot in the report: West Virginia had one of the nation’s lowest rates of age discrimination complaints. With 44 incidents per 100,000 eligible workers, it ranks favorably compared to the national average of 98.
The trend of older Americans staying in the workforce is increasing. Today, over 11.2 million people age 65 and up are employed, and projections estimate that number will rise to 14.8 million by 2033. Many are choosing to work longer due to improved health, the rising cost of living, and access to flexible or remote job options.
Nationally, around 30.2% of seniors remain employed. Their average household income is about $56,038, and 17% are working remotely. Yet age bias continues to be a challenge in many states, as highlighted by the discrimination data.
The most senior-friendly states for workers were Washington, New Hampshire, Alaska, Maryland, and Colorado. These top states typically offer better income potential, more remote work options, and stronger economic ecosystems.
Conversely, West Virginia was joined by Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Kentucky at the bottom of the list, with all five states struggling with low income levels, limited job flexibility, and sluggish business activity.
While no single state can claim to be perfect for all older workers, the report emphasizes that senior workforce participation is strongest where economic opportunity, flexibility, and low discrimination intersect.