freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Missouri is more free than Illinois overall, scoring 66 to 50 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where Missouri leads by 5.9 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where Missouri leads 6.9 to 1.0 out of 10 — a 5.9-point gap. They also part ways on Criminal Justice (Illinois +4.9) and 2nd Amendment (Missouri +4.5). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (9.5 vs 9.5).
Bottom line: Illinois’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Missouri’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Illinois leads in 3 categories · Missouri leads in 6 · 1 tied
Missouri ranks higher overall, scoring 66/100 versus 50/100 across the ten freedom categories. Missouri wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Missouri scores higher on economic freedom (5.7/10 vs 2.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Missouri scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (6.3/10 vs 1.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Illinois scores higher on education choice (6.0/10 vs 5.7/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.