Which state is better for veterans — Illinois or Georgia?
There's no universal answer; the better state depends on your priorities. Below are the factors that most often decide the question.
If you're a military retiree
Both retirement income tax and property tax matter most in retirement. Illinois does not tax military retirement pay, while Georgia does not tax military retirement pay. On property, Illinois offers a full homestead exemption to 100% P&T veterans, and Georgia offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Illinois's headline program is the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) & MIA/POW Scholarship — The IVG pays tuition and certain fees at Illinois public universities and community colleges for eligible Illinois veterans. The MIA/POW Scholarship covers tuition/fees for dependents of veterans who died/were disabled from service. Georgia's is the Georgia HERO Scholarship & Public Safety Memorial Grant — The HERO Scholarship provides up to $2,000/year for service members and dependents of Georgia Guard/Reserve who served in combat zones. Children of disabled veterans qualify for additional state grants at Georgia public colleges.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Illinois hosts 3 significant installation(s) including Naval Station Great Lakes, Scott AFB, Rock Island Arsenal.Georgia hosts 7 including Fort Moore (Benning), Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield.
Climate and lifestyle
Illinois: Continental climate with cold winters and warm humid summers. Georgia: Warm humid subtropical climate; mild winters and hot summers, with cooler conditions in the north Georgia mountains.