Rhode Island ranks among least patriotic states in 2026

BRISTOL, R.I. — Rhode Island ranks among the least patriotic states in America, according to a new 2026 WalletHub study.

The Ocean State came in 42nd overall, making it the lowest-ranked state in New England. WalletHub evaluated all 50 states using 13 measures of patriotism, including military service, voter participation, volunteerism, jury service, and national service programs.

Among the six New England states, Vermont ranked 3rd, New Hampshire 10th, Maine 26th, Massachusetts 31st, Connecticut 32nd, and Rhode Island 42nd.

Rhode Island ranked 35th in military engagement and 35th in civic engagement, placing it in the bottom 10 nationally. The state also had the lowest volunteer rate in the country, while ranking 46th for military enlistees per capita.

At the top of the national rankings was Virginia, followed by Montana, Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon.

The rankings were released ahead of Independence Day and are based on indicators such as military enlistment, veteran population, voter turnout, AmeriCorps participation, Peace Corps volunteers, and community volunteerism.