Mississippi is worst state for disabled veterans: report

Date:2025-08-12 03:42:02 Category:US Views:3 Comment:0

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Though Mississippi has a sizable veteran presence, a report revealed that statewide support for them does not seem to match.

About 17.9 million veterans live across the United States; more than 146,000 live in Mississippi. About 30% of all veterans nationally live with a service-connected disability. Services and support exist for these military heroes nationwide; however, some states provide better care than others. For several reasons, this led SmileHub to rank Mississippi as 2025’s worst state for America’s heroes.

SmileHub’s findings came from a variety of different factors. For instance, the state has the fourth fewest veteran facilities per veteran and the second fewest veterans charities per capita. This remains the case even though Mississippi has a higher share of disabled veterans than many areas of the country.

Mississippi College, VA Hospital partner for counseling services

Though the SmileHub report focused on disabled veterans, disabled Mississippians generally face quality-of-life issues in Mississippi. In 2024, WalletHub found that out of 182 major cities, Jackson and Gulfport ranked as the 180th and 182nd best places for disabled Americans to live. The median income of individuals with a disability is the second lowest nationally. Disabled Jacksonians have among the highest poverty rates in the United States.

Governmental and nonprofit groups still seek to improve the lives of veterans and their families in the state. Earlier this summer, Mississippi’s VA Hospital sought volunteers to help transport patients from across the state to the VA center in Jackson.

To be best connected to local and national resources, visit va.gov.

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