Americans have long shown their patriotism in diverse ways, but a recent report from personal finance website WalletHub revealed distinct leaders in the country’s red, white and blue pride.
Why It Matters
The report arrives during a time of social tension and economic strain in the U.S., as WalletHub noted that “many people may find it hard to celebrate a country where countless people are struggling and frequent violence persists.”
Yet, the study highlights that love for country can also mean service to others and participation in community life.
What To Know
Virginia, Montana and Vermont ranked as the top three states in the study, which measured 13 key metrics, including voter turnout, military enlistment and volunteer rate.
The states WalletHub ranked as the 10 most patriotic were:
- Virginia
- Montana
- Vermont
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Washington
- North Dakota
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
Topping the list was Virginia. The state ranked third in the nation for active-duty military personnel, with more than 1,850 servicemembers per 100,000 civilians. It also had the second-highest number of veterans, with more than 103 per 1,000 civilians, and ranked fifth for Peace Corps volunteers per capita.
On the civic side, 72.9 percent of eligible Virginians voted in the 2024 presidential election, well above the national average of 66 percent. The state also mandates a standalone civics course for high school graduation, WalletHub said.
Montana placed second, which the study said was largely a result of civic participation. The state had a 69.2 percent voter turnout in the 2024 general election and led the nation in primary election turnout in 2020 at nearly 46 percent. Montana also ranked second for jury service and second for AmeriCorps volunteers per capita.
In third place was Vermont. The state had the most Peace Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers per capita and the highest rate of jury service, according to the report.
Vermont also had the second-highest general volunteer rate among its population and ranked eighth for military reserves participation.
WalletHub said that data used to create its rankings came from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Manpower Data Center, Peace Corps, Military OneSource, United States Elections Project, Administrative Office of the United States Courts, AmeriCorps and iCivics.
What People Are Saying
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, in the report: “The most patriotic states have a lot of residents who serve or have served in the armed forces, high voter turnouts during elections, and a high share of the population volunteering with national or local organizations. Patriotism also isn’t concentrated in any one particular area—the top states are located in vastly different geographic regions.”
What Happens Next
WalletHub releases iterations of its “Most Patriotic States in America” report annually.
The post Map Shows Most Patriotic States appeared first on Newsweek.
