State vs State
Illinois vs Wisconsin: which is more free?
On the default equal-weight blend, Wisconsin scores higher overall — 56 vs 50 out of 100. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Illinois leads by 6.5 points.
Illinois leads in 3 categories · Wisconsin leads in 7 · 0 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 Wisconsin
- Pioneered school vouchers
- Strong open records tradition
- Act 10 fiscal reforms
Illinois vs Wisconsin: common questions
Is Illinois or Wisconsin more free?
Wisconsin ranks higher overall, scoring 56/100 versus 50/100 across the ten freedom categories. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin have more economic freedom and lower taxes?
Wisconsin scores higher on economic freedom (6.1/10 vs 2.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Which has stronger gun rights, Illinois or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.1/10 vs 1.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Illinois vs Wisconsin: which is better for school choice?
Wisconsin scores higher on education choice (6.9/10 vs 6.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.