With the Fourth of July just days away, a new WalletHub report takes a closer look at New Jersey’s patriotic standing.
The study measured 13 factors tied to military and civic involvement, including voter turnout, volunteerism, active-duty military members and veterans per capita. Researchers scored all 50 states on a 100-point scale.
Virginia leads the nation. It has more than 1,850 active-duty service members per 100,000 residents, one of the highest rates in the country. Nearly 73 percent of Virginians voted in last year’s presidential election, well above the 66 percent national average. The state also ranks near the top in veteran population and Peace Corps volunteers. Virginia requires high school students to complete a civics course before graduating.
According to the report, New Jersey did not measure up.
The Garden State sits at 43rd overall with a score of 38.33. It holds the second-lowest number of veterans per capita, just ahead of neighboring New York. Voter turnout and volunteerism both fall below national averages. New Jersey scored poorly in military and civic engagement.
Arkansas ranked last with a score of 28.12, marking the lowest level of patriotic engagement nationwide.
WalletHub’s data also shows blue states outperform red ones in patriotism rankings this year.
As New Jersey residents gear up for Independence Day celebrations, the report serves as a reminder that patriotism extends beyond parades and fireworks. It lives in voting booths, community service and military duty.
Despite what the study suggests, WalletHub probably hasn’t been to the Jersey Shore during the summertime.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.