State vs State
Illinois vs Missouri: which is more free?
On the default equal-weight blend, Missouri scores higher overall — 66 vs 50 out of 100. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where Missouri leads by 5.9 points.
Illinois leads in 3 categories · Missouri leads in 6 · 1 tied
Category-by-category breakdown
What stands out in Illinois
- Pioneering biometric privacy law (BIPA)
- Cash bail eliminated
- Recreational marijuana legal
What stands out in Missouri
- Constitutional carry
- Recreational marijuana legal
- 2A Preservation Act
Illinois vs Missouri: common questions
Is Illinois or Missouri more free?
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.
Does Illinois or Missouri have more economic freedom and lower taxes?
Missouri scores higher on economic freedom (5.7/10 vs 2.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Which has stronger gun rights, Illinois or Missouri?
Missouri scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (6.3/10 vs 1.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Illinois vs Missouri: which is better for school choice?
Illinois scores higher on education choice (6.0/10 vs 5.7/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.