20 Most & Least Charitable States

Charitably inclined Americans make significant donations of money and time to causes they support.

In 2014, they contributed some $358 billion to nonprofit organizations, of which $259 billion came from individual donors.

In 2015, the U.S. ranked second on the latest CAF World Giving Index.

Individual circumstances largely influence whether donors contribute money, time or both, as well as the magnitude of its impact, according to WalletHub’s Charity Calculator.

WalletHub recently examined levels of generosity in the 50 states, analyzing eight metrics, including volunteer rate, the percentage of the population who donated time and money, and the median contribution to charity. Researchers gave each metric a value between 0 (the worst value) and 100 (the best value).

Following are WalletHub’s 10 most charitable and 10 least charitable states.

10 Most Charitable States

10. Minnesota

Total score: 31.24

Minnesota had the fifth highest volunteer rate and second highest percentage of population claiming to have donated time.

9. Oklahoma

Total score: 32.36

Oklahoma had the fifth highest percentage of donated income.

8. Washington

Total score: 32.57

Washington occupied a middle ground in terms of wealth and generosity.

7. Georgia

Total score: 33.19

Georgia had the third highest growth in charitable giving (2012 vs. 2006).

6. Tennessee

Total score: 33.51

Tennessee had the fourth highest percentage of donated income.

5. South Dakota

Total score: 33.68

South Dakota ranked among the poorest and most charitable states.

4. Oregon

Total score: 34.16

Oregon ranked among the poorest and most charitable states.

3. Idaho

Total score: 34.26

Idaho had the second highest growth in charitable giving (2012 vs. 2006) and fourth highest volunteer rate.

2. Maryland

Total score: 36.46

Maryland had the fourth highest percentage of population claiming to have donated money.