freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Utah is more free than Arizona overall, scoring 74.0 to 69.3 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where Utah leads by 6.8 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where Utah leads 8.6 to 1.8 out of 10 — a 6.8-point gap. They also part ways on Economic Freedom (Utah +4.5) and Drug Policy (Arizona +4.0). Where they’re most alike is Property Rights (8.0 vs 8.0).
Bottom line: Arizona’s strongest case is Education Choice (9.7/10), while Utah’s is 2nd Amendment (9.4/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Arizona leads in 3 categories · Utah leads in 4 · 3 tied
Utah ranks higher overall, scoring 74.0/100 versus 69.3/100 across the ten freedom categories. Utah wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Utah scores higher on economic freedom (7.8/10 vs 3.3/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Utah scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.4/10 vs 9.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Arizona scores higher on education choice (9.7/10 vs 7.6/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.