The 250th anniversary of the United States has prompted Americans to reflect on patriotism, with WalletHub's new study ranking states by military and civic engagement. Virginia emerged as the most patriotic state, scoring 70.07 out of 100.
Top and Bottom States
Virginia leads due to high active-duty military personnel (1,761 per 100,000 civilians) and veterans (103 per 1,000 civilians). Strong voter turnout (72.9% in 2024) and civics education requirements also contributed. The top five also include Montana (67.90), Vermont (66.56), Colorado (64.46), and Oregon (62.46). At the bottom, Arkansas scored 28.23, followed by New York (28.96), Louisiana (32.82), Alabama (34.45), and Florida (36.19).
Methodology and Insights
Researchers calculated scores based on military engagement (enlistment, veterans, active-duty and reserve personnel) and civic engagement (voter turnout, jury participation, volunteer rates, AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers, civic life participation, and civics education). Analyst Chip Lupo noted that patriotism is not concentrated in one region and that blue states generally ranked higher than red states in participation-based metrics.
Complexities of Patriotism
A Pew Research Center survey from late 2025 found partisan differences in expressions of national pride. Republicans often mentioned freedom, the economy, President Trump, and the military, while Democrats highlighted democracy, diversity, and expressed embarrassment about current leadership. Stephen C. Finley of Louisiana State University suggested that true patriotism involves advocating for equity and transforming America into an egalitarian society.
