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FreedomRankings

State vs State

Arizona vs New Mexico: which is more free?

On the default equal-weight blend, Arizona scores higher overall — 69 vs 56 out of 100. The widest gap is in Education Choice, where Arizona leads by 8.2 points.

Arizona

Rank #5

B-
69.3/ 100
Higher overall
New Mexico

Rank #30

C
56.3/ 100

Arizona leads in 6 categories · New Mexico leads in 3 · 1 tied

Category-by-category breakdown

1st AmendmentArizona +0.5
AZ
7.0
NM
6.5
2nd AmendmentArizona +5.7
AZ
9.0
NM
3.3
4th AmendmentNew Mexico +5.0
AZ
4.5
NM
9.5
Economic FreedomArizona +3.3
AZ
3.3
NM
0.0
Criminal JusticeNew Mexico +5.1
AZ
1.8
NM
6.9
AZ
9.5
NM
9.5
Property RightsNew Mexico +1.5
AZ
8.0
NM
9.5
Religious LibertyArizona +2.0
AZ
7.5
NM
5.5
Education ChoiceArizona +8.2
AZ
9.7
NM
1.5
Regulatory BurdenArizona +4.9
AZ
9.0
NM
4.1

What stands out in Arizona

  • Universal school choice ESA
  • Constitutional carry
  • Flat 2.5% income tax

What stands out in New Mexico

  • Abolished civil asset forfeiture
  • Recreational marijuana legal
  • Strong 4th Amendment

Arizona vs New Mexico: common questions

Is Arizona or New Mexico more free?

Arizona ranks higher overall, scoring 69/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. Arizona wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.

Does Arizona or New Mexico have more economic freedom and lower taxes?

Arizona scores higher on economic freedom (3.3/10 vs 0.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.

Which has stronger gun rights, Arizona or New Mexico?

Arizona scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.0/10 vs 3.3/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.

Arizona vs New Mexico: which is better for school choice?

Arizona scores higher on education choice (9.7/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.

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