Minnesota ranks first among all 50 states in voter turnout and third in volunteerism, according to a new index of civic health released Monday.
The index, created by the National Conference on Citizenship, rated individual states based on 40 factors ranging from volunteering to trust in other people.
Minnesota led all states in voter turnout, with 76.4 percent of eligible voters casting a ballot in the 2004 presidential election. California ranked last.
Minnesota ranked third in volunteerism, with 40.1 percent of residents volunteering with various organizations. Utah, with a participation rate of 47 percent ranked first, followed by Nebraska, with 42.1 percent. New York ranked last.
Minnesotans also ranked third in how often they visit friends, fourth in honesty, eighth in how often their families eat together and 16th in how often they attend church.
Overall, the study found that civic participation nationwide has declined over the last 30 years. The report also noted that volunteerism and political engagement is rebounding somewhat, especially with people ages 16 to 25.
The National Conference on Citizenship is a congressionally chartered non-profit based in Washington D.C. Its mission is to foster civic renewal.
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