July 4th is a significant day for Americans as it is when the nation’s independence is celebrated. This year, WalletHub conducted a study to determine the most patriotic states in the U.S. based on various factors such as military engagement, civic engagement, and more.
According to Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub, states with a high number of residents who have served in the armed forces, high voter turnouts, and active participation in local organizations tend to rank higher in terms of patriotism. The top states are spread across different regions of the country, showing that patriotism is not limited to a specific area.
The top 10 most patriotic states, as per WalletHub’s rankings, are as follows:
1. Virginia
2. Alaska
3. Montana
4. Maine
5. Oregon
6. Colorado
7. New Hampshire
8. Washington
9. Maryland
10. Hawaii
Virginia topped the list due to its high number of active-duty military personnel and veterans, as well as its impressive voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election. Alaska and Montana followed closely behind, with each showcasing unique characteristics that contributed to their rankings.
On the other hand, states like Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Arkansas ranked lower on the patriotism scale. Factors such as military enlistment rates, jury service participation, volunteer rates, and voting percentages were considered in the study to determine each state’s level of patriotism.
Interestingly, WalletHub found that blue states tend to be more patriotic compared to red states, with blue states having a higher average rank. The data for the study was collected from various sources including the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in May 2024.
Overall, the study sheds light on the diverse ways in which patriotism is expressed across different states in the U.S. As Americans gear up to celebrate Independence Day, these rankings offer a glimpse into the patriotic spirit that is alive and well in various parts of the country.