These states produce the most Peace Corps volunteers

The state of Vermont is the top Peace Corps volunteer-producing state in the country with the highest number of volunteers per capita for the fourth straight year, according to an annual Peace Corps volunteer ranking.

The District of Columbia came in second, according to the report, which ranks metropolitan areas and volunteer-producing states per capita and by total volunteers.

With 916 Peace Corps volunteers, California remained No. 1 for the total number of volunteers in 2016.

The 2016 rankings come two years after the Peace Corps unveiled changes that included shortening applications, and allowing potential volunteers to choose the location they are serving in.

So, where else do these selfless volunteers come from?

Here’s a look at the top five volunteer-producing states per capita, overall and by metropolitan area:

2016 Top States – Per Capita (# of volunteers per 100,000 residents)

1. Vermont – 8.3

2. District of Columbia – 8.2

3. Montana – 5.0

4. Washington – 4.5

5. Minnesota – 4.3

2016 Top States – Total Volunteers

1. California – 916

2. New York – 449

3. Virginia – 328

4. Washington – 317

5. Florida – 313

2016 Top Metropolitan Areas – Per Capita (# of volunteers per 100,000 residents)

1. Missoula, MT – 12.3

2. Burlington-South Burlington, VT – 8.3

3. Olympia, WA – 8.2

4. Santa Fe, NM – 6.7

5. Idaho Falls, ID – 6.4