freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, North Dakota is more free than Minnesota overall, scoring 70.8 to 63.6 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in 2nd Amendment, where North Dakota leads by 7.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is 2nd Amendment, where North Dakota leads 9.2 to 2.2 out of 10 — a 7.0-point gap. They also part ways on Education Choice (Minnesota +4.8) and Economic Freedom (North Dakota +4.7). Where they’re most alike is 4th Amendment (5.0 vs 4.5).
Bottom line: Minnesota’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while North Dakota’s is Regulatory Burden (9.6/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Minnesota leads in 5 categories · North Dakota leads in 5 · 0 tied
North Dakota ranks higher overall, scoring 70.8/100 versus 63.6/100 across the ten freedom categories. North Dakota wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
North Dakota scores higher on economic freedom (8.4/10 vs 3.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
North Dakota scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.2/10 vs 2.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Minnesota scores higher on education choice (6.3/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.