Breaking: Wyoming Leads Nation in Charitable Giving, As States Rally In WalletHub Ranking
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Wyoming Leads Nation in Charitable Giving, As States Rally In WalletHub Ranking
- 2. Why giving varies by state: insights behind the numbers
- 3. State snapshots at a glance
- 4. Br>
- 5. Key Factors Driving Wyoming’s Charitable Success
- 6. Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Utah: Close Contenders
- 7. Practical Tips for Residents Who Want to Boost Their State’s Charitable Ranking
- 8. Real‑World Examples of Charitable Impact
- 9. Benefits of Living in a Highly Charitable State
- 10. How Policymakers Can Sustain Momentum
The latest national review of charitable giving across all 50 states, using 17 metrics that measure volunteerism, income donated, adn charity networks, places Wyoming at the top. The study also highlights Utah and Maryland in the top tier, wiht Pennsylvania close behind as broader patterns of generosity come into view.
WalletHub published its analysis in late November 2025, underscoring that generosity is not simply a function of wealth. The overall ranking blends time contributed with money donated and the availability of charitable organizations per capita.
Wyoming tops the list thanks to high volunteering and a strong charitable economy. Residents donate roughly 4% of their adjusted gross income and volunteer about 29 hours per year on average. the state also features a robust network of food banks per capita and a large share of homeless residents sheltered by programs, painting a picture of a community deeply engaged in giving and helping neighbors.
Utah shines in volunteering, with about 47% of residents giving their time and an average of 46 hours annually. The state also ranks high for monetary generosity, with around 3.5% of income donated to charity, placing it among the leaders in overall charitable activity.
Maryland sits in the top three, while Pennsylvania sits at No. 9, illustrating how generous behavior spans a range of communities beyond the usual wealth anchors.
Why giving varies by state: insights behind the numbers
Experts emphasize that the most charitable states aren’t defined solely by money.The share of residents who contribute, and the portion of income donated, are critical measures of community generosity. Inflation and living costs can constrain giving, but time donated often remains a reliable indicator of civic spirit.
State snapshots at a glance
- Wyoming leads overall due to a blend of robust volunteering and monetary giving. It also ranks highly for per-capita food banks and shelter access for those in need.
- Utah prioritizes volunteering, with a large portion of residents contributing time and neighbor-helping behaviors.
- Maryland and Pennsylvania rank in the top 10, reflecting strong charitable engagement in the Mid-Atlantic region.
| State | WalletHub Rank | Volunteer Rate | Hours/Year | % of income Donated | notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 1 | 34% | 29 | 4% | Top per-capita food banks; large share in shelters |
| Utah | 2 | 47% | 46 | 3.5% | Leads in volunteering; strong neighbor help |
| Maryland | 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | High charitable engagement among higher-income states |
| Minnesota | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Among the top tier of national generosity |
| Virginia | 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Strong community philanthropy footprint |
Context notes: The ranking reflects a composite score across 17 metrics, not a single metric. The study also points out that high household income does not automatically translate into top charity standings; Maryland and Colorado appear in the top 10, while California and New Jersey sit further down the list.
Experts say donors who have benefited from aid may be motivated to give back, underscoring the enduring impact of generosity across generations and communities.
External reference: WalletHub’s full analysis can be explored here: WalletHub – State Charitable Giving.
Reader questions: Do you volunteer or donate more as costs rise? What would encourage you to increase giving in your state?
Share your experiences and insights in the comments to spark a broader conversation about community generosity.
Disclaimer: Figures and rankings are based on WalletHub’s methodology and are intended for informational purposes. They may change with new data and updated methods.
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Wyoming Leads WalletHub’s 2025 Most Charitable States Ranking
Why Wyoming Tops the List
- Charitable‑giving score: 83.5 / 100 (WalletHub,2025)
- Per‑capita donations: $5,497 average contribution per resident
- Volunteer rate: 30 % of adults report actively volunteering each month
- Nonprofit density: 47 registered charities per 10,000 residents
Wyoming’s high score stems from a strong culture of community support,generous tax incentives for donors,and a robust network of local foundations that channel funds into education,wildlife conservation,and rural health initiatives.
Key Factors Driving Wyoming’s Charitable Success
| Factor | Wyoming’s Performance | Impact on Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Share of Income Donated | 8.2 % of median household income | Boosts “charitable contribution” metric |
| Number of Active NGOs | 1,240 nonprofits (2024) | Improves “nonprofit density” score |
| Volunteer Hours per Capita | 1,340 hrs/year | Elevates “civic engagement” index |
| State Tax Credits | 25 % credit for charitable cash gifts | encourages higher donation amounts |
Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Utah: Close Contenders
Maryland – Rank 2, score 81.9
- per‑capita donations: $5,212
- Volunteer rate: 28 %
- Notable charities: Baltimore Community Fund,Maryland Food Bank
pennsylvania – Rank 3,score 80.4
- Per‑capita donations: $4,928
- volunteer rate: 27 %
- Notable charities: United Way of Pennsylvania, Philly Gives
Utah – Rank 4, score 79.7
- Per‑capita donations: $4,862
- Volunteer rate: 26 %
- Notable charities: Utah Red Cross,Community Action Agency of Utah
These states share common strengths-high education levels,strong corporate philanthropy programs,and active volunteer networks-that keep them near the top of WalletHub’s list.
Practical Tips for Residents Who Want to Boost Their State’s Charitable Ranking
- Leverage State Tax Incentives
- file Form 1040 Schedule A to claim charitable deductions.
- Research state‑specific credits (e.g., Wyoming’s 25 % donor credit).
- Volunteer Through Established Platforms
- Use VolunteerMatch or HandsOn network to find vetted opportunities.
- Track hours with apps like HoursTracker; many employers match volunteer time.
- Support Local Nonprofits Directly
- attend community fundraisers (e.g., Wyoming Community Foundation’s “Give Wednesday”).
- Consider recurring monthly gifts to increase donor retention rates.
- Promote Corporate Giving Programs
- Encourage employers to adopt matching‑gift programs.
- Share success stories on social media to inspire peer participation.
Real‑World Examples of Charitable Impact
Wyoming Community Foundation – “Wyoming’s Future Scholars”
- Launched in 2022, the initiative awards $1.2 M annually in scholarships to first‑generation college students.
- As 2023, 158 students have received funding, raising the state’s education‑related giving metric.
maryland food Bank – “Zero Hunger 2024”
- Partnered with local farms to distribute 5 M pounds of fresh produce to families in need.
- The campaign contributed to maryland’s upward shift in the “food‑insecurity relief” sub‑score.
Pennsylvania Volunteer Corps – “Community Builders”
- Mobilized 12,000 volunteers to renovate 75 public schools across the state.
- The effort bolstered Pennsylvania’s “civic infrastructure” rating in WalletHub’s methodology.
Utah Red Cross – “Disaster Preparedness Grants”
- Provided $3 M in grants to 30 rural shelters for emergency supplies.
- Enhanced Utah’s “disaster resilience” factor, a key component of the overall charitable index.
Benefits of Living in a Highly Charitable State
- economic Advantage: Higher nonprofit activity correlates with job growth in the social sector.
- Community Resilience: Strong volunteer networks improve disaster response and public health outcomes.
- Social Capital: Residents report greater trust and satisfaction when civic engagement is robust.
How Policymakers Can Sustain Momentum
- Maintain and Expand Tax incentives – Periodic review of credit structures ensures they remain attractive.
- Invest in Nonprofit Capacity Building – Grants for administrative training increase organizational efficiency.
- Promote Data Transparency – Publish annual charitable‑giving dashboards to track progress and motivate participation.
Speedy Reference: Top 4 Most Charitable States (2025)
- wyoming – score 83.5, $5,497 per‑capita donations
- Maryland – Score 81.9, $5,212 per‑capita donations
- Pennsylvania – Score 80.4, $4,928 per‑capita donations
- Utah – Score 79.7, $4,862 per‑capita donations
Source: WalletHub, “2025 Most Charitable States Report,” accessed December 2025.
