Here are the cities where retirees rely the most on Social Security income

It's no secret that for most retirees, Social Security is an important part of their income. Exactly how much varies from individual to individual — and, apparently, from city to city.

Among 100 U.S. cities with the largest 65-and-older populations, Social Security makes up an average 42 percent of retiree income, according to recent research by SmartAsset.com. The range is from more than 53 percent to about 27 percent.

The research evaluated retiree income from both Social Security and other sources — i.e., pension plans, annuities, individual retirement plans — using government data. The analysis excluded work-related income, which a growing number of older Americans are using to supplement their cash flow.

Where retirees rely on Social Security the most Rank City Average Social Security income Average other retirement income* Average combined income* Social Security as a share of overall retirement income*

1	Fort Wayne, Indiana	$21,247	$18,266	$39,513	53.8%
2	Hialeah, Florida	$13,858	$12,009	$25,867	53.6%
3	Wichita, Kansas	$21,034	$20,649	$41,683	50.5%
4	Sun City, Arizona	$21,187	$20,994	$42,181	50.2%
5	Indianapolis, Indiana	$20,115	$20,362	$40,477	49.7%
6	Lincoln, Nebraska	$21,602	$22,262	$43,864	49.3%
7	Toledo, Ohio	$18,109	$19,142	$37,251	48.6%
8	Tulsa, Oklahoma	$20,377	$21,889	$42,266	48.2%
9	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,356	$19,743	$38,099	48.2%
10	Port St. Lucie, Florida	$21,579	$23,282	$44,861	48.1%

Source: SmartAsset.com *Excludes any work-related income

The research shows that places where Social Security makes up the largest income piece tend to be lower-cost areas — including some in states where income (or, specifically, Social Security income) doesn't get taxed. The cities where it's a smaller portion of retiree income tend to have a higher cost of living and higher incomes among its residents.

For people still in their working years, the research should point to the importance of setting aside savings now to provide you with income in your later years when full-time work is behind you. In other words, Social Security will only go so far.

"Sometimes the numbers look too big and scary so you don't want to think about it," said AJ Smith, vice president of financial education at SmartAsset. "Instead, think about the options you have available and take advantage of what you can do now."

Where retirees rely on Social Security the least Rank City Average Social Security income Average other retirement income* Average combined income* Social Security as a share of overall retirement income*

91	San Diego Calif.	$19,775	$35,895	$55,670	35.5%
92	Riverside, Calif.	$18,784	$34,183	$52,967	35.5%
93	Long Beach, Calif.	$18,507	$33,831	$52,338	35.4%
94	Huntington Beach, Calif.	$21,779	$40,142	$61,921	35.2%
95	Chula Vista, Calif.	$17,890	$33,881	$51,771	34.6%
96	Anchorage, Alaksa	$19,437	$38,579	$58,016	33.5%
97	Sacramento, Calif.	$18,592	$37,883	$56,475	32.9%
98	Oakland, Calif.	$17,755	$36,487	$54,242	32.7%
99	Glendale, Calif.	$18,018	$37,697	$55,715	32.3%
100	Washington, D.C.	$17,402	$46,208	$63,610	27.4%

Source: SmartAsset.com *Excludes any work-related income

For example, if you have access to a 401(k) plan or similar tax-advantaged retirement-savings account through work, experts typically recommend putting in enough to get any matching company contribution.

For those without a workplace replacement plan, individual retirement accounts — either traditional or Roth — could be options.

"The more planning and effort you can put in early, the better," Smith said.

More from Personal Finance:
Online notices can show you how much your Social Security benefits will be in 2019
6 last-minute tips that will trim your 2018 tax bill
7 shopping hacks to keep your spending under control

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