freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Arkansas is more free than Mississippi overall, scoring 52.8 to 52.2 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Property Rights, where Mississippi leads by 6.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Property Rights, where Mississippi leads 8.0 to 1.5 out of 10 — a 6.5-point gap. They also part ways on Education Choice (Arkansas +3.9) and Economic Freedom (Arkansas +2.5). Where they’re most alike is Criminal Justice (0.4 vs 0.0).
Bottom line: Arkansas’s strongest case is Education Choice (8.8/10), while Mississippi’s is Religious Liberty (8.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Arkansas leads in 6 categories · Mississippi leads in 4 · 0 tied
Arkansas ranks higher overall, scoring 52.8/100 versus 52.2/100 across the ten freedom categories. Arkansas wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Arkansas scores higher on economic freedom (4.7/10 vs 2.2/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Arkansas scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (6.9/10 vs 5.9/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Arkansas scores higher on education choice (8.8/10 vs 4.9/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.