freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Ohio is more free than Kentucky overall, scoring 57.5 to 47.6 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Education Choice, where Ohio leads by 7.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is Education Choice, where Ohio leads 8.5 to 1.5 out of 10 — a 7.0-point gap. They also part ways on Drug Policy (Ohio +4.0) and Regulatory Burden (Kentucky +3.5). Where they’re most alike is 4th Amendment (4.5 vs 4.5).
Bottom line: Kentucky’s strongest case is Religious Liberty (8.0/10), while Ohio’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Kentucky leads in 3 categories · Ohio leads in 6 · 1 tied
Ohio ranks higher overall, scoring 57.5/100 versus 47.6/100 across the ten freedom categories. Ohio wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Ohio scores higher on economic freedom (3.1/10 vs 2.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Kentucky scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (7.3/10 vs 5.5/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Ohio scores higher on education choice (8.5/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.