Which state is better for veterans — Missouri 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. Missouri does not tax military retirement pay, while Georgia does not tax military retirement pay. On property, Missouri offers a partial property tax reduction, and Georgia offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Missouri's headline program is the Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program — Up to $6,000/year of tuition/fees at Missouri public colleges for children/spouses of Missouri veterans killed or disabled (80%+) from service in combat zones since Sept 11, 2001. 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. Missouri hosts 2 significant installation(s) including Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman AFB.Georgia hosts 7 including Fort Moore (Benning), Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield.
Climate and lifestyle
Missouri: Continental climate with hot humid summers and cold winters; tornado risk in spring. Georgia: Warm humid subtropical climate; mild winters and hot summers, with cooler conditions in the north Georgia mountains.