WASHINGTON — The Peace Corps annual rankings of top volunteer-producing states and metropolitan areas puts the Washington metro area just one notch below the top spot.
The District, Virginia and Maryland all rank high on the list of states.
The D.C. area ranked No. 1 for total volunteers last year, but the New York metro area took the top spot this year. Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston round out the top five.
When ranked by volunteers per capita, the Washington metro falls further down the list, to No. 10. For the second year in a row, Missoula, Montana. holds the No. 1 spot among metro areas for Peace Corps volunteers per capita.
“Peace Corps volunteers come from all corners of our nation to create grass roots level change in our world,” said Peace Corps Chief Executive Officer Sheila Crowley. “Volunteers share their hometown values and perspectives with the host communities they serve, an intercultural exchange that leaves a legacy of peace and friendship. We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary communities in the U.S. which produce citizens with such a strong sense of purpose.”
When ranked with states, the District ranks No. 1 for Peace Corps volunteers per capita, followed by Vermont, Montana, Oregon and Rhode Island.
The District has 8.8 Peace Corps volunteers per 100,000 residents.
Virginia ranks No. 6, at 4.2 per 100,000; Maryland ranks No. 7, tied with Washington state, at 4.1 per 100,000.
