freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Missouri is more free than Iowa overall, scoring 66.2 to 55.9 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Missouri leads by 6.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Drug Policy, where Missouri leads 9.5 to 3.0 out of 10 — a 6.5-point gap. They also part ways on 4th Amendment (Missouri +4.0) and Regulatory Burden (Missouri +3.6). Where they’re most alike is Religious Liberty (7.5 vs 7.5).
Bottom line: Iowa’s strongest case is Property Rights (8.0/10), while Missouri’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Iowa leads in 4 categories · Missouri leads in 4 · 2 tied
Missouri ranks higher overall, scoring 66.2/100 versus 55.9/100 across the ten freedom categories. Missouri wins 4 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 5.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Missouri scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (6.3/10 vs 3.5/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Iowa scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 5.7/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.