Texas has long projected a proud image of American patriotism, but according to WalletHub’s 2025 ranking of the most patriotic states, the Lone Star State lands at a surprising No. 45 out of 50.
The ranking is based on two main categories: military engagement and civic engagement. Texas performed relatively well in the former, ranking 13th overall, thanks to high rates of military enlistment. In fact, it ranks third in the nation for the average number of military enlistees per capita, behind only Georgia and Alaska.
However, Texas’s score plummets when it comes to civic participation, where it ranks 47th. Civic engagement factors include voter turnout, volunteer rates, participation in groups or associations, and jury service. These are areas where Texans fell significantly below national averages.
“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,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst.
States like Virginia, Montana, and Vermont ranked at the top by combining both strong military and civic involvement. Virginia, for example, has one of the highest shares of both veterans and active-duty service members and boasts a voter turnout rate of 72.9%, well above the national average of 66%.
Texas’s underperformance in civic engagement may reflect broader challenges facing the nation. WalletHub’s report acknowledges the mood of disillusionment many Americans feel today: “Many people may find it hard to celebrate a country where countless people are struggling and frequent violence persists.”
Still, the report offers a broader view of patriotism that goes beyond flags and fireworks. “An expression of love for fellow citizens is patriotic in itself,” the study notes.
Texas remains a leader in military service, a cornerstone of its patriotic identity. But the data suggests that to be seen as one of the most patriotic states in the country, showing up at the ballot box and within the community matters just as much as military pride.
