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FreedomRankings

State vs State

Illinois vs Indiana: which is more free?

On the default equal-weight blend, Indiana scores higher overall — 64 vs 50 out of 100. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Illinois leads by 6.5 points.

Illinois

Rank #42

C-
50.3/ 100
Indiana

Rank #10

C+
64.2/ 100
Higher overall

Illinois leads in 3 categories · Indiana leads in 7 · 0 tied

Category-by-category breakdown

1st AmendmentIllinois +1.5
IL
7.5
IN
6.0
2nd AmendmentIndiana +5.3
IL
1.8
IN
7.1
4th AmendmentIndiana +0.5
IL
4.5
IN
5.0
Economic FreedomIndiana +6.2
IL
2.0
IN
8.2
Criminal JusticeIllinois +4.3
IL
8.0
IN
3.7
Drug PolicyIllinois +6.5
IL
9.5
IN
3.0
Property RightsIndiana +3.0
IL
5.0
IN
8.0
Religious LibertyIndiana +3.0
IL
5.0
IN
8.0
Education ChoiceIndiana +1.9
IL
6.0
IN
7.9
Regulatory BurdenIndiana +6.3
IL
1.0
IN
7.3

What stands out in Illinois

  • Pioneering biometric privacy law (BIPA)
  • Cash bail eliminated
  • Recreational marijuana legal

What stands out in Indiana

  • Constitutional carry
  • School voucher program
  • Flat 3.05% income tax

Illinois vs Indiana: common questions

Is Illinois or Indiana more free?

Indiana ranks higher overall, scoring 64/100 versus 50/100 across the ten freedom categories. Indiana wins 7 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.

Does Illinois or Indiana have more economic freedom and lower taxes?

Indiana scores higher on economic freedom (8.2/10 vs 2.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.

Which has stronger gun rights, Illinois or Indiana?

Indiana scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (7.1/10 vs 1.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.

Illinois vs Indiana: which is better for school choice?

Indiana scores higher on education choice (7.9/10 vs 6.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.

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