A breakdown of the geographic distribution of former armed forces members in the U.S. reveals significant concentrations in specific states.
California stands out with the highest number of veterans at 1.5 million, but unfortunately, a disproportionate number of them are among the state’s homeless population, with around 10,395 homeless veterans in the state.
In rural areas, veterans often struggle with limited access to essential medical and mental health services that cater specifically to their needs. The operating hours of community-based clinics can pose challenges, leading to veterans needing to contact hotlines for referrals to unfamiliar providers, despite efforts by the VA and CalVet to address housing issues through various programs.
Following California, Texas and Florida come in second and third place with 1.44 million and 1.42 million veterans respectively. These states, alongside Pennsylvania and Ohio in the top five, offer attractions like military bases and extensive veteran services, making them appealing settlement destinations for veterans post their military duty.
States like Washington, with a significantly lower veteran population of 25,514, as well as Vermont and Wyoming, display similarly lower numbers. On the other end, North Dakota and Rhode Island bring up the rear with 46,288 and 52,128 veterans respectively.
The U.S. housed around 16.2 million veterans in 2022, with the majority being Vietnam War veterans over the age of 75, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The presence of veterans in high-population states influences the local economy through spending on housing, healthcare, and other support services. To support these veterans in their transition to civilian life, it’s crucial for states to adapt services to meet their evolving needs, focusing on healthcare and employment opportunities.