freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Idaho is more free than Washington overall, scoring 63 to 52 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Washington leads by 8.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Drug Policy, where Washington leads 9.5 to 1.0 out of 10 — an 8.5-point gap. They also part ways on Regulatory Burden (Idaho +8.2) and 2nd Amendment (Idaho +7.8).
Bottom line: Idaho’s strongest case is Regulatory Burden (10.0/10), while Washington’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Idaho leads in 5 categories · Washington leads in 5 · 0 tied
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.
Idaho scores higher on economic freedom (9.2/10 vs 3.5/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Idaho scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.8/10 vs 2.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Idaho scores higher on education choice (7.0/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.