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FreedomRankings

State vs State

Idaho vs Washington: which is more free?

On the default equal-weight blend, Idaho scores higher overall — 63 vs 52 out of 100. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Washington leads by 8.5 points.

Idaho

Rank #14

C+
62.7/ 100
Higher overall
Washington

Rank #41

C-
51.6/ 100

Idaho leads in 5 categories · Washington leads in 5 · 0 tied

Category-by-category breakdown

1st AmendmentWashington +1.0
ID
6.5
WA
7.5
2nd AmendmentIdaho +7.8
ID
9.8
WA
2.0
4th AmendmentWashington +1.0
ID
4.5
WA
5.5
ID
9.2
WA
3.5
Criminal JusticeWashington +7.6
ID
1.2
WA
8.8
Drug PolicyWashington +8.5
ID
1.0
WA
9.5
Property RightsWashington +1.5
ID
5.0
WA
6.5
ID
8.5
WA
5.0
ID
7.0
WA
1.5
ID
10.0
WA
1.8

What stands out in Idaho

  • Constitutional carry
  • Red Tape Reduction Act
  • Strong property rights

What stands out in Washington

  • No state income tax
  • Early recreational marijuana
  • Strong public records act

Idaho vs Washington: common questions

Is Idaho or Washington more free?

Idaho ranks higher overall, scoring 63/100 versus 52/100 across the ten freedom categories. Idaho wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.

Does Idaho or Washington have more economic freedom and lower taxes?

Idaho scores higher on economic freedom (9.2/10 vs 3.5/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.

Which has stronger gun rights, Idaho or Washington?

Idaho scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.8/10 vs 2.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.

Idaho vs Washington: which is better for school choice?

Idaho scores higher on education choice (7.0/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.

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