freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, West Virginia is more free than Maryland overall, scoring 59.2 to 56.4 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in 2nd Amendment, where West Virginia leads by 4.9 points.
The sharpest contrast is 2nd Amendment, where West Virginia leads 6.1 to 1.2 out of 10 — a 4.9-point gap. They also part ways on 4th Amendment (Maryland +4.0) and Drug Policy (Maryland +4.0). Where they’re most alike is Criminal Justice (7.1 vs 6.5).
Bottom line: Maryland’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while West Virginia’s is Education Choice (8.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Maryland leads in 5 categories · West Virginia leads in 5 · 0 tied
West Virginia ranks higher overall, scoring 59.2/100 versus 56.4/100 across the ten freedom categories. West Virginia wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Maryland scores higher on economic freedom (4.1/10 vs 1.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
West Virginia scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (6.1/10 vs 1.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
West Virginia scores higher on education choice (8.5/10 vs 4.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.