freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Maryland is more free than Delaware overall, scoring 56.4 to 43.0 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where Maryland leads by 5.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where Maryland leads 7.1 to 1.6 out of 10 — a 5.5-point gap. They also part ways on 4th Amendment (Maryland +4.0) and Education Choice (Maryland +3.0). Where they’re most alike is Property Rights (5.0 vs 5.0).
Bottom line: Delaware’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Maryland’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Delaware leads in 3 categories · Maryland leads in 5 · 2 tied
Maryland ranks higher overall, scoring 56.4/100 versus 43.0/100 across the ten freedom categories. Maryland wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Maryland scores higher on economic freedom (4.1/10 vs 1.2/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Delaware scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (1.6/10 vs 1.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Maryland scores higher on education choice (4.5/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.