freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Alaska is more free than West Virginia overall, scoring 59.7 to 59.2 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where West Virginia leads by 5.9 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where West Virginia leads 6.5 to 0.6 out of 10 — a 5.9-point gap. They also part ways on Drug Policy (Alaska +4.0) and Regulatory Burden (Alaska +2.7). Where they’re most alike is Economic Freedom (1.4 vs 1.6).
Bottom line: Alaska’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while West Virginia’s is Education Choice (8.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Alaska leads in 5 categories · West Virginia leads in 5 · 0 tied
Alaska ranks higher overall, scoring 59.7/100 versus 59.2/100 across the ten freedom categories. Alaska wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
West Virginia scores higher on economic freedom (1.6/10 vs 1.4/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Alaska scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (8.0/10 vs 6.1/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
West Virginia scores higher on education choice (8.5/10 vs 7.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.