NEW YORK – In a twist of irony, the state that houses the Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic symbols of American patriotism, has been ranked as one of the least patriotic states in the country.
According to WalletHub’s 2024 Most Patriotic States in America report, New York has landed near the bottom of the list, ranking 49th out of 50 states. The only state to fare worse in terms of patriotic sentiment is Arkansas.
The report, released on Monday, evaluated states based on 13 key indicators of patriotism. These indicators included electoral participation, the number of veterans per capita, volunteerism, and other measures of military and civic engagement.
Virginia Tops the List
In stark contrast to New York’s low ranking, Virginia was named the most patriotic state in the United States. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., and a high population of military personnel and veterans contribute to its top spot. Virginia’s high voter turnout also played a significant role in securing its position.
Following Virginia, Alaska ranks second, demonstrating strong military engagement and civic participation. Montana, Maine, Oregon, and Colorado round out the top six, each showing a robust commitment to both civic duties and military service.
Regional Insights
Within the Northeast, New Jersey ranks in the bottom half of the list at number 30, while Connecticut falls into the bottom 20% at number 42. Despite these lower rankings, New Jersey boasts the highest share of adults who voted in the 2020 presidential election. However, its overall rank suffers due to having the fewest veterans per capita.
“Patriotism isn’t concentrated in any one particular area – the top states are located in vastly different geographic regions,” said Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst. This highlights that expressions of patriotism are diverse and not confined to any single region of the United States.
Blue States vs. Red States
The study also found an interesting trend regarding political affiliations and patriotism. Blue states, which typically lean Democratic, tend to be more patriotic on average, with an average rank of 23.44. In comparison, red states, which typically lean Republican, have an average rank of 27.56.
Adam McCann of WalletHub elaborated on the varied expressions of patriotism, stating, “There are many different ways to express patriotism, from hanging up a flag or attending a parade to voting, joining the military, or actively working to improve conditions for your fellow Americans. Being a patriot means loving your country and its people while also recognizing its flaws and striving to make it the best it can be.”
Factors Influencing Rankings
New York’s low ranking is a complex issue influenced by several factors. The state has a relatively low number of veterans per capita, which significantly impacts its overall patriotism score. Additionally, while New York has pockets of high civic engagement, such as in voter turnout and volunteerism, these are not consistent across the state.
Looking Forward
The findings of WalletHub’s report provide a snapshot of how patriotism is currently expressed and perceived across different states. They also offer an opportunity for states to examine and potentially improve their civic and military engagement.
As discussions about national identity and patriotism continue, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The diverse ways in which Americans show their love for their country are as varied as the nation itself. Whether through military service, voting, or community involvement, the spirit of patriotism remains a crucial part of the American fabric.
In conclusion, while New York may have ranked low in this particular study, it, like every state, has its own unique ways of expressing and fostering patriotism. The Statue of Liberty stands as a testament to the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy that continue to inspire Americans from all walks of life.
