As the United States gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a new survey by personal finance company WalletHub has identified Virginia and Montana as the nation’s most patriotic states. The comprehensive study, released in mid-June, analyzed all 50 states based on over a dozen indicators to gauge the depth of “red, white and blue pride” among residents.
Virginia Claims Top Spot
Virginia secured the number one position overall, impressing researchers with strong showings in both military and civic engagement. The state ranked third nationally for its military engagement, boasting approximately 1,761 active-duty military personnel per 100,000 civilians. Furthermore, Virginia is home to a significant veteran population, with nearly 103 veterans for every 1,000 civilians, placing it second in that category.
WalletHub Financial Writer Adam McCann, in a June 15 report titled “Most Patriotic States in America,” detailed the methodology. “We compared the states across 13 key indicators of patriotism to determine where Americans have the most red, white and blue pride on Independence Day and during the rest of the year,” McCann explained. “Our data set ranges from the state’s military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election to AmeriCorps volunteers per capita.”
On the civic engagement front, Virginia also demonstrated notable strength. The state recorded a voter turnout rate of 72.9% in the 2024 presidential election, surpassing the national average of 66%. Additionally, Virginia ranks fifth in the nation for Peace Corps volunteers per capita and is among the states that mandate a dedicated civics course for high school graduation, underscoring a commitment to civic education.
Montana Follows Closely
Montana earned the second spot in the rankings, driven by robust participation in civic activities. The state saw a voter turnout of 69.2% in the 2024 presidential election and an impressive 46% turnout in the 2020 primary election, which was the highest in the country. Montana also performed well in other civic metrics, ranking second in jury service and second for AmeriCorps volunteers per capita. A substantial 37% of its residents reported volunteering for an organization, highlighting a strong community spirit.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo commented on the findings, noting that the most patriotic states often feature high numbers of current and former military personnel, strong voter participation, and a significant portion of the population engaged in volunteer work. He also pointed out that patriotism isn’t confined to specific regions, as the top-ranking states are geographically diverse.
Other Top States and Bottom Dwellers
Following Virginia and Montana, the top five most patriotic states were rounded out by Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon. These states, while geographically varied, share common threads of civic participation and military presence.
Conversely, the survey identified Arkansas as the least patriotic state, ranking 50th overall. New York, Louisiana, and Alabama also appeared at the lower end of the spectrum.
Patriotism and Political Leanings
Interestingly, the survey also drew a connection between political leanings and patriotism scores. According to WalletHub’s methodology, the 19 states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election showed, on average, higher patriotism scores than the 31 states that voted for President Donald Trump. The report noted that three of the largest “blue” states in 2024—Illinois (37th), California (40th), and New York (49th)—all ranked relatively low in the patriotism survey.
Defining Patriotism: Beyond the Ballot Box
WalletHub’s approach to measuring patriotism is multifaceted, aiming to capture a broad spectrum of national pride and engagement. The indicators used are designed to reflect not just military service and voting habits, but also broader community involvement and dedication to civic life. This includes factors like:
- Active-duty military personnel per capita
- Number of veterans per capita
- Adult voter turnout in presidential elections
- Adult voter turnout in primary elections
- AmeriCorps volunteers per capita
- Peace Corps volunteers per capita
- Share of residents volunteering for organizations
- Civics education requirements in high schools
- Jury service rates
By examining these diverse metrics, WalletHub sought to provide a nuanced view of what constitutes patriotism across the United States, recognizing that it manifests in various forms of service and engagement.
Looking Ahead to America’s 250th
As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, this survey offers a snapshot of where citizens demonstrate the highest levels of civic and military engagement. The findings highlight that patriotism is not a monolithic concept but a complex interplay of service, participation, and community involvement, evident across different regions and demographics.
