freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Maine is more free than Vermont overall, scoring 62 to 61 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Property Rights, where Vermont leads by 4.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Property Rights, where Vermont leads 9.5 to 5.0 out of 10 — a 4.5-point gap. They also part ways on 4th Amendment (Maine +3.5) and Regulatory Burden (Vermont +3.5). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (9.5 vs 9.5).
Bottom line: Maine’s strongest case is Criminal Justice (9.8/10), while Vermont’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Maine leads in 5 categories · Vermont leads in 4 · 1 tied
Maine ranks higher overall, scoring 62/100 versus 61/100 across the ten freedom categories. Maine wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Maine scores higher on economic freedom (2.9/10 vs 1.0/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Maine scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (4.3/10 vs 2.7/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Vermont scores higher on education choice (4.1/10 vs 4.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.