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FreedomRankings

State vs State

Kentucky vs Tennessee: which is more free?

On the default equal-weight blend, Tennessee scores higher overall — 63 vs 48 out of 100. The widest gap is in Economic Freedom, where Tennessee leads by 7.1 points.

Kentucky

Rank #44

D+
47.6/ 100
Tennessee

Rank #12

C+
62.9/ 100
Higher overall

Kentucky leads in 1 categories · Tennessee leads in 6 · 3 tied

Category-by-category breakdown

KY
6.0
TN
6.0
2nd AmendmentTennessee +1.3
KY
7.3
TN
8.6
KY
4.5
TN
4.5
Economic FreedomTennessee +7.1
KY
2.7
TN
9.8
Criminal JusticeTennessee +2.1
KY
2.2
TN
4.3
Drug PolicyKentucky +2.5
KY
5.5
TN
3.0
Property RightsTennessee +1.0
KY
5.0
TN
6.0
KY
8.0
TN
8.0
Education ChoiceTennessee +6.1
KY
1.5
TN
7.6
Regulatory BurdenTennessee +0.2
KY
4.9
TN
5.1

What stands out in Kentucky

  • Constitutional carry
  • Flat 4% income tax
  • Strong religious liberty

What stands out in Tennessee

  • No state income tax
  • Constitutional carry
  • ESA education program

Kentucky vs Tennessee: common questions

Is Kentucky or Tennessee more free?

Tennessee ranks higher overall, scoring 63/100 versus 48/100 across the ten freedom categories. Tennessee wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.

Does Kentucky or Tennessee have more economic freedom and lower taxes?

Tennessee scores higher on economic freedom (9.8/10 vs 2.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.

Which has stronger gun rights, Kentucky or Tennessee?

Tennessee scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (8.6/10 vs 7.3/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.

Kentucky vs Tennessee: which is better for school choice?

Tennessee scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.

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