(Graphic | Courtesy of ZIPPIA)
Soon the holidays are going to be here — ‘tis the season of giving. From the Salvation Army ringing their bells to collect money for the less fortunate to finding the perfect gift for your friend, we all spend a lot of money during the holiday season.
In fact, the average American spends about $1,050 on things like gifts, travel and other goodies. On average, the American household donates $2,520 a year to charities.
Typically, people will wait to donate at the end of each year. In fact, around 34 percent of all donations are collected in the last three months of the year.
This made us curious to see who was the most generous in the country.
By looking over the percent of income donated to charity, how many people volunteer and the average volunteer hours, we were able to determine that these 10 states are the most generous.
Top 10 Most Generous States
Generosity flows through these states throughout the entire year, not just during the holiday season.
From donating money to donating their time, these states know how to help those in need.
HOW WE DETERMINED THIS
Each state was equally ranked 1-to-50 in 3 categories:
- Percent of income donated to charity
- Percent of residents who volunteer
- Average Yearly Volunteer Hours
This looks at the two things most people have to give- money and time. The percent of income donated to charity comes from Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Our information on volunteer participation and the average yearly volunteer hours comes from The National Service.
1. UTAH
Volunteer Rate: 46 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 10.6 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 81.9
As the most generous state, Utah has quite a bit of impressive stats when it comes to donating time and money. The state has the highest volunteer rate of 46 percent, the highest percentage of income donated at 10.6 percent and the highest volunteer hours at 81.9. It’s quite clear that people in Utah have big hearts when it comes to helping others.
2. IDAHO
Volunteer Rate: 35 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 6.4 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 57.4
Idaho comes in as the second-most generous state, and we think it’s mainly because of how many volunteer hours are donated throughout the year. Idahoans donate an average of 57.4 hours of their personal time each year. That’s the second-highest in the U.S.
3. KANSAS
Volunteer Rate: 38 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.8 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 44.7
The third-most generous state in the U.S. is none other than Kansas. The midwestern state has a heart (and wallet) made of gold based on how much the residents are able to donate and volunteer. In fact, it has the fifth-highest percentage of volunteers at 38 percent.
4. ALASKA
Volunteer Rate: 39 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.3 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 53.1
There are two important reasons why Alaska is next on our list. The 39 percent volunteer rate and 53.1 average volunteer hours can be attributed to why the state is fourth-most generous.
5. OREGON
Volunteer Rate: 33 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.6 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 50.3
Oregon is the fifth-most generous state. With a 50.3 average of volunteer hours, it’s not hard to see why. Add in the 33 percent volunteer rate and that 4.6 percent of all income is donated and you have yourself a pretty generous state.
6. NEBRASKA
Volunteer Rate: 42 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.1 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 47.9
With a lot of income being donated, it’s easy to see why Nebraska is the sixth-most generous state in the country. Out of all of the states, Nebraska has the second-highest volunteer rate at 42 percent. Plus, the 47.9 average volunteer hours aren’t anything to scoff at either.
7. MINNESOTA
Volunteer Rate: 40 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.1 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 45.2
The cold winters in Minnesota don’t stop residents from helping others in need. While it’s the seventh-most generous state, it has the third-highest volunteer rate of 40 percent. On top of that, the average volunteer there donates 45.2 hours every year.
8. WASHINGTON
Volunteer Rate: 36 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.1 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 54.5
The state of Washington is No. 8 when it comes to giving. The average volunteer donates 54.5 hours of their time each year, which is the third-highest amount in the U.S. We’re impressed.
9. WYOMING
Volunteer Rate: 37 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 4.2 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 45.3
Wyoming knocks out the rest of the states for its spot as the ninth-most generous state. The title is earned easily what with the state’s volunteer rate at 37 percent. And don’t forget about the 45.3 average hours donated by volunteers each year.
10. OKLAHOMA
Volunteer Rate: 30 percent
Percent of Income Donated: 5.6 percent
Average Volunteer Hours: 43.6
Oklahoma wraps up the list of the most generous states at No. 10. With 5.6 percent of income donated and 43.6 average volunteer hours, the state spends a lot of time and money helping out those who are less fortunate.
’TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING
Every year, more and more people figure out ways to donate and give what they can to people who are in need.
From food drives to volunteering at the local food bank, there are plenty of ways to help. And the states above have got it figured out.
These states are the most generous when it comes to giving back to their community.
See the rest of the list on where states ranked here.
