Virginia has been named the most patriotic state in the United States, according to a new survey by personal finance company WalletHub. The study, released in mid-June, evaluated all 50 states across 13 indicators of patriotism, including military engagement, civic participation, and volunteerism, in anticipation of America's 250th anniversary.
Virginia secured the top spot by ranking third in military engagement and seventh in civic engagement. WalletHub reported that the state has approximately 1,761 active-duty military personnel per 100,000 civilians, the third-highest in the nation, and nearly 103 veterans per 1,000 civilians, the second-highest.
WalletHub Financial Writer Adam McCann explained that the survey aimed to identify where Americans exhibit the most "red, white and blue pride." The indicators used ranged from the number of military enlistees and veterans to the percentage of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election and the number of AmeriCorps volunteers per capita.
On the civic engagement front, Virginia demonstrated a high voter turnout rate, with 72.9% of its residents voting in the 2024 presidential election, exceeding the national average of 66%. The state also ranked fifth in the number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita and requires a standalone civics course for high school graduation.
Montana followed Virginia as the second-most patriotic state. Its ranking was bolstered by a relatively large voter turnout, with 69.2% of its voting population participating in the 2024 presidential election and nearly 46% voting in the 2020 primary election, the highest primary turnout in the country. Montana also ranked second in jury service and had the second-highest number of AmeriCorps volunteers. Additionally, 37% of its residents reported volunteering for an organization.
The top five most patriotic states were rounded out by Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon. The study also identified the least patriotic states, with Arkansas ranking 50th, followed by New York, Louisiana, and Alabama.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that the most patriotic states often feature residents who serve or have served in the armed forces, high voter turnout, and a significant number of residents volunteering with national or local organizations. He also pointed out that patriotism is not geographically concentrated, with top states located in diverse regions across the country.
The survey also suggested that, on average, the 19 states that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election were more patriotic than the 31 states that voted for President Donald Trump. However, the three largest "blue" states in 2024—Illinois (37th), California (40th), and New York (49th)—all ranked relatively low in the survey.