freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Tennessee is more free than Kentucky overall, scoring 63 to 48 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Economic Freedom, where Tennessee leads by 7.1 points.
The sharpest contrast is Economic Freedom, where Tennessee leads 9.8 to 2.7 out of 10 — a 7.1-point gap. They also part ways on Education Choice (Tennessee +6.1) and Drug Policy (Kentucky +2.5). Where they’re most alike is Religious Liberty (8.0 vs 8.0).
Bottom line: Kentucky’s strongest case is Religious Liberty (8.0/10), while Tennessee’s is Economic Freedom (9.8/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Kentucky leads in 1 categories · Tennessee leads in 6 · 3 tied
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.
Tennessee scores higher on economic freedom (9.8/10 vs 2.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Tennessee scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (8.6/10 vs 7.3/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Tennessee scores higher on education choice (7.6/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.