freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, New Jersey is more free than Delaware overall, scoring 45.5 to 43.0 out of 100 and winning 3 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where New Jersey leads by 8.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where New Jersey leads 9.6 to 1.6 out of 10 — an 8.0-point gap. They also part ways on Regulatory Burden (Delaware +5.3) and 2nd Amendment (Delaware +1.4). Where they’re most alike is Education Choice (1.5 vs 1.5).
Bottom line: Delaware’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while New Jersey’s is Criminal Justice (9.6/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Delaware leads in 3 categories · New Jersey leads in 3 · 4 tied
New Jersey ranks higher overall, scoring 45.5/100 versus 43.0/100 across the ten freedom categories. New Jersey wins 3 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
New Jersey scores higher on economic freedom (2.4/10 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 0.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Delaware and New Jersey tie on education choice (1.5/10 each).