freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Iowa is more free than Wisconsin overall, scoring 55.9 to 55.7 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in 4th Amendment, where Wisconsin leads by 4.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is 4th Amendment, where Wisconsin leads 9.0 to 4.5 out of 10 — a 4.5-point gap. They also part ways on Criminal Justice (Iowa +2.6) and 2nd Amendment (Wisconsin +1.6). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (3.0 vs 3.0).
Bottom line: Iowa’s strongest case is Property Rights (8.0/10), while Wisconsin’s is 4th Amendment (9.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Iowa leads in 6 categories · Wisconsin leads in 3 · 1 tied
Iowa ranks higher overall, scoring 55.9/100 versus 55.7/100 across the ten freedom categories. Iowa wins 6 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 6.1/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Wisconsin scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.1/10 vs 3.5/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Iowa scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 6.9/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.