Kentucky Ranks Among America's Most Patriotic States

In Owensboro, We Live Our Patriotism Every Day

If you live in Owensboro, you know patriotism isn't something we save for one day a year. It's part of who we are!

We rally around our Gold Star families. We check on our veteran neighbors. We proudly display American flags throughout our neighborhoods, especially as Independence Day approaches. That's why when a new study ranked the most patriotic states in America, I wanted to see where Kentucky stacked up.

Just in time for the Fourth of July, WalletHub released its annual list of the Most Patriotic States in America. The rankings looked at everything from military service and voter participation to volunteerism and community involvement.

Kentucky landed at No. 19 overall in the nation.

The Commonwealth scored especially well in supporting the military. Kentucky ranks 8th in the country for active-duty military personnel per 100,000 civilian adults. We also earned the top spot in the nation for civics education requirements, helping future generations understand the responsibilities that come with citizenship.

Where Kentucky had room to improve was in voter turnout and volunteerism. The state ranked 22nd for adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election and 22nd for volunteer hours per resident. Kentucky ranked 17th for AmeriCorps volunteers per capita.

According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, the most patriotic states aren't all concentrated in one part of the country.

"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."
— Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst

Virginia claimed the No. 1 spot this year, driven by one of the highest concentrations of military personnel and veterans in the country, along with nearly 73% voter turnout in 2024. It's an impressive combination, and it points to what the rankings are really measuring: consistent civic engagement, not just symbolic gestures.

And that's what I love most about this study. It recognizes that patriotism doesn't look the same across America. Yes, it's hanging a flag on your porch, attending a Fourth of July parade, or singing the national anthem at a ballgame. But it's also voting. Volunteering. Serving. And, showing up for a neighbor in need and working to leave your community better than you found it.

Here in Owensboro, we do a lot of those things. Not perfectly, but no place does. And as we head into another Independence Day filled with cookouts, fireworks, and time with people we love, I think that's worth remembering that patriotism isn't a single moment. It's found in the everyday ways people show up for their country, their community, and each other.

Maybe that's why Owensboro feels so patriotic year-round!

Happy Fourth!