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FreedomRankings

State vs State

Georgia vs South Carolina: which is more free?

On the default equal-weight blend, Georgia scores higher overall — 59 vs 56 out of 100. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where South Carolina leads by 2.7 points.

Georgia

Rank #23

C
58.6/ 100
Higher overall
South Carolina

Rank #29

C
56.3/ 100

Georgia leads in 4 categories · South Carolina leads in 3 · 3 tied

Category-by-category breakdown

GA
6.0
SC
6.0
2nd AmendmentGeorgia +2.3
GA
7.6
SC
5.3
GA
4.5
SC
4.5
Economic FreedomGeorgia +2.7
GA
8.6
SC
5.9
Criminal JusticeSouth Carolina +2.7
GA
2.0
SC
4.7
Drug PolicyGeorgia +2.0
GA
3.0
SC
1.0
GA
8.0
SC
8.0
Religious LibertySouth Carolina +0.5
GA
7.0
SC
7.5
Education ChoiceGeorgia +0.6
GA
6.4
SC
5.8
Regulatory BurdenSouth Carolina +2.1
GA
5.5
SC
7.6

What stands out in Georgia

  • Constitutional carry since 2022
  • Right-to-work state
  • Growing economic hub

What stands out in South Carolina

  • Constitutional carry
  • ESA education choice
  • Right-to-work state

Georgia vs South Carolina: common questions

Is Georgia or South Carolina more free?

Georgia ranks higher overall, scoring 59/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. Georgia wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.

Does Georgia or South Carolina have more economic freedom and lower taxes?

Georgia scores higher on economic freedom (8.6/10 vs 5.9/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.

Which has stronger gun rights, Georgia or South Carolina?

Georgia scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (7.6/10 vs 5.3/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.

Georgia vs South Carolina: which is better for school choice?

Georgia scores higher on education choice (6.4/10 vs 5.8/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.

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