freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, West Virginia is more free than Kentucky overall, scoring 59.2 to 47.6 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Education Choice, where West Virginia leads by 7.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is Education Choice, where West Virginia leads 8.5 to 1.5 out of 10 — a 7.0-point gap. They also part ways on Criminal Justice (West Virginia +4.3) and Regulatory Burden (West Virginia +1.6). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (5.5 vs 5.5).
Bottom line: Kentucky’s strongest case is Religious Liberty (8.0/10), while West Virginia’s is Education Choice (8.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Kentucky leads in 3 categories · West Virginia leads in 4 · 3 tied
West Virginia ranks higher overall, scoring 59.2/100 versus 47.6/100 across the ten freedom categories. West Virginia wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Kentucky scores higher on economic freedom (2.7/10 vs 1.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Kentucky scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (7.3/10 vs 6.1/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
West Virginia scores higher on education choice (8.5/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.