With the Fourth of July approaching but America troubled by issues like high inflation and mass shootings, the personal-finance website WalletHub recently released its report on 2025’s Most Patriotic States in America, as well as expert commentary.
To determine where Americans have the most red, white and blue pride, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 13 key indicators of patriotism. The data set ranged 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.
Top 20 Most Patriotic States
Virginia ranked at the top of the list for the most patriotic states, followed by Montana at number two. Also in the top 10 were Vermont, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, Maryland, Minnesota and New Hampshire.
Ranked number 11 through 20 were Alaska at number 11, Utah, Kansas, Wyoming, Iowa, Idaho, Hawaii, Nebraska, Kentucky and, rounding out the top 20, Delaware.
California came in with an overall rank of number 40 in the study while Arkansas was at the bottom, number 50 on the list.
Key Stats
Blue states are more patriotic, with an average ranking of 21.21, compared with 28.13 for red states (1 = Best).
Alaska has the most veterans per 1,000 civilian adults, which is 3.2 times more than in New York, the state with the fewest.
Minnesota has the highest share of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election, which is 1.4 times higher than in Arkansas, the state with the lowest.
Utah has the highest volunteer rate, which is 2.5 times higher than in Rhode Island, the state with the lowest.
“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,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. “Virginia is 2025’s most patriotic state. For every 100,000 civilians in Virginia, there are over 1,850 active-duty military personnel, the third-most in the country. For every 1,000 civilians, Virginia has over 103 veterans, the second-most in the country. In addition, Old Dominion has a high voter turnout rate, with 72.9 percent of residents having voted in the 2024 presidential election, compared to the national average of 66 percent.”
To view the full report and your state’s rank, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/most-patriotic-states/13680
Expert Commentary
What are the characteristics of a good patriot?
“A patriot is someone who loves their country enough to, in the words of the founders, ‘pledge their lives, their fortune, and their sacred honor.’ It is someone who will not shy away from the self-sacrifice for the good of the country. These could be military heroes or civil rights heroes.”
Dr. Timothy W. Kneeland – Professor; Director of Museums, Archives & Public History; Director of Center for Public History, Nazareth University
“An understanding of America’s promise of freedom for all regardless of one’s background. It is important to have a good understanding of the Constitution (one of the greatest documents ever written) and the Declaration of Independence. The idea that freedom and liberty is for everyone (and not just the people who agree with your particular viewpoint). America is a place filled with many different ideas which was a basic principle upon which the United States was founded. An understanding of democracy, freedom, and liberty: Truth, Justice, and the American Ideal.”
Rob Weiner – Popular Culture Librarian, Texas Tech University; Editor of Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero
What are the best ways for an individual to show patriotism?
“For an individual, it would be to perform acts of service for their community, such as civic engagement, such as voting, or performing an act of social good, like assisting with Meals on Wheels.”
Dr. Timothy W. Kneeland – Professor; Director of Museums, Archives & Public History; Director of Center for Public History, Nazareth University
“Well certainly one can show patriotism by showcasing the American Flag in a respectful manner and understand why the Flag is so important to the concept of liberty and freedom. Also, by giving tribute to those who died for the cause of America in the line of duty. Not only the military, but first responders too. My grandfather fought in World War I and I have a collection of medals awarded to him over time which I proudly display in my house. So, patriotism can be expressed in different ways. My father also fought in World War II which I will tell anyone who will listen. I am proud of my patriotic heritage.”
Rob Weiner – Popular Culture Librarian, Texas Tech University; Editor of Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero
What measures should schools and local authorities undertake in order to promote patriotism among citizens?
“Rituals such as parades, and remembering solemn holidays like Memorial Day, and using local history to tell the story of those in our communities who performed notable acts of patriotism. These individuals could be local war heroes from the Revolution to the present or someone who loved America enough to critique it, such as Frederick Douglass in his famous ‘What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?’ Perhaps someone in your county took on some civic action like demanding the right to vote for women, or more inclusive practices at government facilities – they too offered their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to make the country they loved an even better version of itself, to ‘form a more perfect Union’ as the Constitution avows.”
Dr. Timothy W. Kneeland – Professor; Director of Museums, Archives & Public History; Director of Center for Public History, Nazareth University
“There is nothing wrong with being proud of your American heritage. Certainly, one could take classes or go to events that local authorities put together which promote patriotism. It is important that all of us be educated about the Constitution and the basic principles of the founders.”
Rob Weiner – Popular Culture Librarian, Texas Tech University; Editor of Captain America and the Struggle of the Superhero
