flag-waving news

Texas earns shocking rank on new list of most patriotic states in U.S.

Texas ranked a dismal No. 45 this year after previously ranking as the 36th most patriotic state in 2024.

This may come as a surprise for many Texans, but the Lone Star State is far from being the most patriotic place in America, according to a new report.

WalletHub's latest study ranking the "Most Patriotic States in America" for 2025 placed Texas near the bottom of the list as No. 45, marking a significant nine-place drop from its rank as the 36th most patriotic state in 2024.

According to the findings, the three most patriotic states in America are Virginia (No. 1), Montana (No. 2), and Vermont (No. 3). Colorado (No. 4) and Oregon (No. 5) round out the top five most passionate, flag-waving states in 2025.

Texas flopped toward the bottom mainly due to its civic engagement rank (No. 47), but it did perform fairly well in the military engagement category (No. 13).

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said patriotism can't be defined by geographic region or by which states fly the most American flags. Rather, true patriotism can be found in states with high voter turnouts, high volunteer rates, and more.

“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," Lupo said.

States like Virginia and Montana ranked at the top of the list due to their high voter turnout rates during the 2024 presidential election, plus high volunteer rates in local or national organizations. Virginia is also home to the third-highest population of active-duty military personnel per 100,000 civilians, and there are 27 military bases in the state.

The report further acknowledges that many Americans may not be feeling very patriotic this year because of "societal issues" that span from "relentless high inflation" to tragedies like mass shootings.

"Many people may find it hard to celebrate a country where countless people are struggling and frequent violence persists," the report's author wrote. "However, an expression of love for fellow citizens is patriotic in itself."

Joining Texas among the least patriotic American states are Florida (No. 46), Alabama (No. 47), Louisiana (No. 48), New York (No. 49), and Arkansas (No. 50).

The top 10 most patriotic states in America are:

No. 1 – Virginia
No. 2 – Montana
No. 3 – Vermont
No. 4 – Colorado
No. 5 – Oregon
No. 6 – Washington
No. 7 – North Dakota
No. 8 – Maryland
No. 9 – Minnesota
No. 10 – New Hampshire

The report analyzed all 50 states across 13 "indicators of patriotism" based on military and civic engagement, including factors such as the rate of veterans living in each state for every 1,000 civilians; the share of adults who voted in the 2024 presidential election and the 2020 primary elections; the number of AmeriCorps volunteers per capita, and more.

civic engagement patriotic states reports texas veterans wallethub patriotism

PHEW!

San Antonio Fire Department calms locals smelling gas-like odor

Getty Images

undefined

San Antonio can breathe a sigh of relief. The unsettling gas-like smell residents reported on Wednesday, June 18, is not dangerous. Officials confirm the odor is mercaptan, a harmless additive used in natural gas.

The San Antonio Fire Department confirmed the odor was harmless in a social media alert. SAFD said it had been besieged with 911 calls from residents worried about a gas leak. According to officials, the chemical release happened on the far South Side.

Boerne residents also experienced the fumes. Confusingly, the Boerne Police Department blamed the odor on a routine line clean-out West Texas Gas was conducting in Leon Valley. The smell was carried by strong winds into the Hill Country town.

Though mercaptan’s distinctive smell may be alarming, its use aids public safety. Natural gas is odorless and would be difficult to detect without the pungent chemical additive. Fire Department officials said the smell should go away soon.

The non-toxic ingredient, however, can cause respiratory irritation, including coughing and shortness of breath. The low concentration of mercaptan in San Antonio’s air is unlikely to cause problems, but those with respiratory sensitivities might hedge their bets by staying inside.

Despite the lack of immediate danger, locals should be advised to play it safe with natural gas. If customers detect the familiar rotten egg aroma indoors, they are advised to immediately leave the premises and call 210-353-4357. Home gas leaks can also be checked with the "soapy water test." When a leak is sprayed with a mixture of dish soap and water, bubbles will form.

natural gas san antonio fire department public safety public utlities