freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, South Dakota is more free than Iowa overall, scoring 69.0 to 55.9 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where South Dakota leads by 6.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where South Dakota leads 9.8 to 3.3 out of 10 — a 6.5-point gap. They also part ways on 2nd Amendment (South Dakota +5.3) and Criminal Justice (Iowa +2.9). 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 South Dakota’s is Regulatory Burden (9.8/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Iowa leads in 2 categories · South Dakota leads in 5 · 3 tied
South Dakota ranks higher overall, scoring 69.0/100 versus 55.9/100 across the ten freedom categories. South Dakota wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
South Dakota scores higher on economic freedom (9.6/10 vs 6.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
South Dakota scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (8.8/10 vs 3.5/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Iowa scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 4.9/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.