Which state is better for veterans — Virginia or Arkansas?
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. Virginia taxes military retirement pay (virginia exempts up to $40,000 of military retirement income (2025 expansion, ages 55+; phased increases since 2022).), while Arkansas does not tax military retirement pay. On property, Virginia offers a full homestead exemption to 100% P&T veterans, and Arkansas offers a full homestead exemption to 100% P&T veterans.
If you have school-age children
Virginia's headline program is the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) — Free undergraduate (and up to a Master's) tuition at Virginia public colleges for spouses and children of veterans killed/MIA/POW/disabled (90%+) from military service. Arkansas's is the Arkansas Department of Higher Education Veteran Tuition Waiver — Children and spouses of veterans who were killed in action, MIA, or POW, and dependents of 100% disabled veterans, qualify for free tuition at Arkansas state-supported colleges and universities.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Virginia hosts 7 significant installation(s) including Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base), JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, Naval Air Station Oceana.Arkansas hosts 3 including Little Rock AFB, Pine Bluff Arsenal, Camp Robinson (ARNG).
Climate and lifestyle
Virginia: Mid-Atlantic humid subtropical climate; four moderate seasons. Arkansas: Humid subtropical climate with four mild seasons; the Ozarks offer cooler summers.