freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Wisconsin is more free than Illinois overall, scoring 56 to 50 out of 100 and winning 7 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 Criminal Justice (Illinois +5.3) and 4th Amendment (Wisconsin +4.5). Where they’re most alike is 1st Amendment (7.5 vs 7.0).
Bottom line: Illinois’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Wisconsin’s is 4th Amendment (9.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Illinois leads in 3 categories · Wisconsin leads in 7 · 0 tied
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.
Wisconsin scores higher on economic freedom (6.1/10 vs 2.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Wisconsin scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.1/10 vs 1.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Wisconsin scores higher on education choice (6.9/10 vs 6.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.