freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Iowa is more free than Illinois overall, scoring 55.9 to 50.3 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Illinois leads by 6.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Drug Policy, where Illinois leads 9.5 to 3.0 out of 10 — a 6.5-point gap. They also part ways on Economic Freedom (Iowa +4.7) and Property Rights (Iowa +3.0). Where they’re most alike is 4th Amendment (4.5 vs 4.5).
Bottom line: Illinois’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Iowa’s is Property Rights (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Illinois leads in 3 categories · Iowa leads in 6 · 1 tied
Iowa ranks higher overall, scoring 55.9/100 versus 50.3/100 across the ten freedom categories. Iowa wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Iowa scores higher on economic freedom (6.7/10 vs 2.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Iowa scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (3.5/10 vs 1.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Iowa scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 6.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.