Kentucky Ranks Among Top 20 Most Patriotic States in America

With Independence Day right around the corner, a new 2025 report from WalletHub shines a bright red, white, and blue light on the most patriotic states in America, and Kentucky earns a respectable spot in the Top 20. This should come as no surprise, and here's why!

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How WalletHub Measured Patriotism

To determine which states exhibit the most pride in the flag, WalletHub analyzed all 50 states using 13 key indicators of patriotism, grouped into two main categories: military engagement and civic participation. The analysis considered factors such as the number of military enlistees and veterans, the percentage of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election, and the number of AmeriCorps volunteers per capita. This data offers a good view of how Americans across different states contribute to and engage with their country through both service and civic responsibility, but what about Kentucky?

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Kentucky Ranked 19th Most Patriotic State in 2025

While Virginia, Montana, Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon lead the nation as the most patriotic states in America, Kentucky holds its own, earning a respectable spot in the Top 20. Ranked 19th overall in WalletHub’s 2025 report, Kentucky demonstrates strong patriotic values, particularly through its top-ranked civics education requirement and high levels of military service. Based on the report, we still have some work to do!

Strong in Civic Education and Military Service in the Bluegrass State

Kentucky leads the nation in civics education requirements, ranking 1st overall. This means the state mandates comprehensive civics instruction in schools, ensuring that students are taught about government, citizenship, and the democratic process. Additionally, the state ranks 8th for active-duty military personnel per 100,000 civilian adults.

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“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.” Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

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Patriotism in Kentucky (1=Most Patriotic; 25=Avg.):

Overall Rank: 19th
8th – Active-Duty Military Personnel per 100,000 Civilian Adults
22nd – % of Adults Who Voted in 2024 Presidential Election
1st – Civics Education Requirement
23rd – Volunteer Hours per Resident
17th – AmeriCorps Volunteers per Capita

State-By-State Breakdown

Source: WalletHub

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