freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Iowa is more free than Nebraska overall, scoring 56 to 55 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Education Choice, where Iowa leads by 6.1 points.
The sharpest contrast is Education Choice, where Iowa leads 7.6 to 1.5 out of 10 — a 6.1-point gap. They also part ways on Regulatory Burden (Nebraska +4.9) and Property Rights (Iowa +3.0). Where they’re most alike is 1st Amendment (6.5 vs 6.5).
Bottom line: Iowa’s strongest case is Property Rights (8.0/10), while Nebraska’s is Regulatory Burden (8.2/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Iowa leads in 4 categories · Nebraska leads in 5 · 1 tied
Iowa ranks higher overall, scoring 56/100 versus 55/100 across the ten freedom categories. Iowa 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 6.3/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Nebraska scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (4.1/10 vs 3.5/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Iowa scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.