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The Most Generous States in 2026
As we approach the holiday season in 2026, the spirit of giving remains a significant aspect of American life. From charitable donations to volunteer work, the end of the year is a time when many reflect on their contributions to their communities. With the holidays around the corner, people are eager to support those in need.
The average American now spends approximately $1,200 on gifts, travel, and festivities during this season. Moreover, American households donate an average of $3,000 annually to various charitable causes. Interestingly, research shows that about 40% of all donations occur in the last quarter of the year.
This piqued our interest in identifying which states exhibit the greatest generosity throughout the year. By analyzing the percentage of income donated to charity, volunteer participation rates, and average volunteer hours, we ranked the ten most generous states in the U.S.
Top 10 Most Generous States
Generosity is a hallmark of these states, extending beyond just the holiday season. Their residents show their commitment to helping others through both financial donations and volunteer work. Let’s dive deeper into the statistics that highlight their altruism.
How We Determined This
Each state was equally ranked from 1 to 50 across three categories:
- Percentage of income donated to charity
- Percentage of residents who volunteer
- Average yearly volunteer hours
This analysis focuses on the two most valuable resources people can offer: their time and their money. The data on income donated to charity is sourced from Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Information regarding volunteer participation and average yearly volunteer hours is derived from The National Service.
1. Utah
Volunteer Rate: 45.9%
Percent of Income Donated: 10.6%
Average Volunteer Hours: 81
As the most generous state, Utah boasts impressive statistics in terms of donating time and money. With the highest volunteer rate at 45.9%, the highest percentage of income donated at 10.6%, and an average of 81 volunteer hours per individual, Utah residents clearly exhibit a strong commitment to philanthropy.
2. Idaho
Volunteer Rate: 35.1%
Percent of Income Donated: 6.4%
Average Volunteer Hours: 57
Idaho ranks as the second-most generous state, largely due to the substantial number of volunteer hours contributed annually. Idaho residents dedicate an average of 57 hours of personal time to volunteer work, which is one of the highest averages in the nation.
3. Kansas
Volunteer Rate: 38.3%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.8%
Average Volunteer Hours: 44
Kansas ranks as the third-most generous state, with a commendable volunteer rate of 38.3%. Residents of this Midwestern state consistently demonstrate their willingness to give back through both donations and volunteer efforts.
4. Alaska
Volunteer Rate: 38.8%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.3%
Average Volunteer Hours: 53
Alaska secures the fourth spot with a volunteer rate of 38.8% and an average of 53 volunteer hours. Alaskans are known for their strong community spirit and commitment to helping their fellow residents.
5. Oregon
Volunteer Rate: 33.3%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.6%
Average Volunteer Hours: 50
Oregon ranks as the fifth-most generous state, with residents averaging 50 volunteer hours yearly. Coupled with a volunteer rate of 33.3%, Oregonians showcase their dedication to community service.
6. Nebraska
Volunteer Rate: 42.4%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.1%
Average Volunteer Hours: 47
Nebraska stands out with a volunteer rate of 42.4%, the second-highest in the nation. With an average of 47 volunteer hours per individual, Nebraskans demonstrate their commitment to supporting their communities.
7. Minnesota
Volunteer Rate: 40.4%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.1%
Average Volunteer Hours: 45
Despite its cold winters, Minnesota ranks as the seventh-most generous state. With a volunteer rate of 40.4% and an average of 45 hours volunteered each year, residents show resilience and compassion for those in need.
8. Washington
Volunteer Rate: 35.6%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.1%
Average Volunteer Hours: 54
Washington is recognized for its generosity, with residents dedicating an impressive average of 54 volunteer hours annually. This commitment places the state in the top ten for community service.
9. Wyoming
Volunteer Rate: 37.3%
Percent of Income Donated: 4.2%
Average Volunteer Hours: 45
Wyoming rounds out the top ten with a volunteer rate of 37.3% and an average of 45 volunteer hours. The dedication of its residents to helping others is commendable.
10. Oklahoma
Volunteer Rate: 30.3%
Percent of Income Donated: 5.6%
Average Volunteer Hours: 43
Oklahoma completes our list of the most generous states, with 5.6% of income donated and an average of 43 volunteer hours. The state’s residents are committed to making a difference in their communities.
’Tis the Season of Giving
Each year, an increasing number of individuals find innovative ways to contribute and support those in need. From organizing food drives to volunteering at local shelters, the opportunities to give back are abundant. The states highlighted above exemplify what it means to be generous and engaged in community service.
In conclusion, these states not only excel in their charitable contributions during the holiday season but maintain a culture of generosity throughout the year. Here’s the complete list of the most generous states.
| Rank | State | Volunteer Rate | Percent Of Income Donated | Volunteer Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | 45.9% | 10.6% | 81 |
| 2 | Idaho | 35.1% | 6.4% | 57 |
| 3 | Kansas | 38.3% | 4.8% | 44 |
| 4 | Alaska | 38.8% | 4.3% | 53 |
| 5 | Oregon | 33.3% | 4.6% | 50 |
| 6 | Nebraska | 42.4% | 4.1% | 47 |
| 7 | Minnesota | 40.4% | 4.1% | 45 |
| 8 | Washington | 35.6% | 4.1% | 54 |
| 9 | Wyoming | 37.3% | 4.2% | 45 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 30.3% | 5.6% | 43 |
| 11 | Montana | 37.7% | 4.0% | 51 |
| 12 | Maryland | 29.4% | 5.7% | 43 |
| 13 | Indiana | 29.6% | 4.5% | 44 |
| 14 | Missouri | 31.8% | 4.4% | 43 |
| 15 | Iowa | 38.0% | 3.9% | 42 |
| 16 | Alabama | 28.2% | 7.1% | 38 |
| 16 | North Carolina | 29.0% | 5.9% | 39 |
| 16 | South Dakota | 37.2% | 4.1% | 40 |
| 19 | Colorado | 32.2% | 4.2% | 40 |
| 19 | Virginia | 28.5% | 4.8% | 40 |
| 21 | Vermont | 37.2% | 2.8% | 47 |
| 22 | South Carolina | 28.6% | 6.4% | 37 |
| 23 | Michigan | 32.2% | 4.5% | 36 |
| 24 | Kentucky | 29.7% | 4.8% | 33 |
| 25 | New Mexico | 27.8% | 4.5% | 40 |
| 25 | Texas | 27.8% | 5.1% | 37 |
| 27 | Tennessee | 25.4% | 6.6% | 31 |
| 28 | Arizona | 24.9% | 4.6% | 39 |
| 29 | Connecticut | 30.7% | 3.3% | 40 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | 36.5% | 3.4% | 36 |
| 31 | Georgia | 24.4% | 6.2% | 33 |
| 32 | Hawaii | 25.1% | 4.5% | 37 |
| 32 | Ohio | 30.3% | 4.1% | 33 |
| 34 | Arkansas | 24.7% | 6.3% | 31 |
| 34 | New Hampshire | 32.0% | 2.5% | 38 |
| 36 | Maine | 33.0% | 2.8% | 36 |
| 36 | Mississippi | 24.2% | 7.2% | 28 |
| 38 | Illinois | 29.0% | 4.2% | 32 |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | 29.5% | 3.9% | 36 |
| 40 | California | 25.5% | 4.4% | 34 |
| 41 | North Dakota | 35.6% | 3.5% | 29 |
| 42 | Delaware | 26.3% | 4.4% | 32 |
| 42 | West Virginia | 25.2% | 3.9% | 40 |
| 44 | Florida | 21.8% | 4.6% | 31 |
| 45 | Louisiana | 21.2% | 5.3% | 22 |
| 46 | New York | 20.1% | 4.7% | 24 |
| 47 | New Jersey | 25.2% | 3.7% | 31 |
| 48 | Massachusetts | 27.8% | 2.8% | 29 |
| 49 | Rhode Island | 27.8% | 3.1% | 27 |
| 50 | Nevada | 17.5% | 3.9% | 24 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
