Social Security State by State

If you want to know how important Social Security income is to your state, you can find out by examining AARP's Social Security State Quick Fact Sheets. Let's take a look at the importance of Social Security to the economies of the poorest and richest states based on 2010 household income...

Maryland, the richest state: One in seven residents receives Social Security, which adds $10.9 billion to the state's economy each year. Social Security is the only source of income for 24 percent of Maryland's residents aged 65 or older.

Mississippi, the poorest state: One in five residents receives Social Security, which adds $6.9 billion to the state's economy each year. Social Security is the only source of income for 40 percent of Mississippi's residents aged 65 or older.

No matter which state you pick, the numbers are sobering.