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FreedomRankings

State vs State

Colorado vs Utah: which is more free?

On the default equal-weight blend, Utah scores higher overall — 74 vs 54 out of 100. The widest gap is in 2nd Amendment, where Utah leads by 7.0 points.

Colorado

Rank #36

C-
53.7/ 100
Utah

Rank #1

B
74.0/ 100
Higher overall

Colorado leads in 3 categories · Utah leads in 7 · 0 tied

Category-by-category breakdown

1st AmendmentColorado +0.5
CO
7.5
UT
7.0
2nd AmendmentUtah +7.0
CO
2.4
UT
9.4
4th AmendmentColorado +2.0
CO
6.5
UT
4.5
CO
7.6
UT
7.8
CO
5.5
UT
8.6
Drug PolicyColorado +4.0
CO
9.5
UT
5.5
CO
5.0
UT
8.0
CO
5.5
UT
8.5
CO
1.5
UT
7.6
CO
2.7
UT
7.1

What stands out in Colorado

  • First to legalize recreational marijuana
  • TABOR tax limitation
  • Leading police accountability

What stands out in Utah

  • Universal school choice
  • Regulatory sandbox program
  • Strong electronic privacy

Colorado vs Utah: common questions

Is Colorado or Utah more free?

Utah ranks higher overall, scoring 74/100 versus 54/100 across the ten freedom categories. Utah wins 7 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.

Does Colorado or Utah have more economic freedom and lower taxes?

Utah scores higher on economic freedom (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.

Which has stronger gun rights, Colorado or Utah?

Utah scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.4/10 vs 2.4/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.

Colorado vs Utah: which is better for school choice?

Utah scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.

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