State vs State
Minnesota vs Wisconsin: which is more free?
On the default equal-weight blend, Minnesota scores higher overall — 64 vs 56 out of 100. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where Minnesota leads by 6.7 points.
Minnesota leads in 5 categories · Wisconsin leads in 5 · 0 tied
Category-by-category breakdown
What stands out in Minnesota
- Legalized recreational marijuana
- Strong press shield law
- Post-2020 police reform
What stands out in Wisconsin
- Pioneered school vouchers
- Strong open records tradition
- Act 10 fiscal reforms
Minnesota vs Wisconsin: common questions
Is Minnesota or Wisconsin more free?
Minnesota ranks higher overall, scoring 64/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. Minnesota wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Does Minnesota or Wisconsin have more economic freedom and lower taxes?
Wisconsin scores higher on economic freedom (6.1/10 vs 3.7/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Which has stronger gun rights, Minnesota or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.1/10 vs 2.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Minnesota vs Wisconsin: which is better for school choice?
Wisconsin scores higher on education choice (6.9/10 vs 6.3/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.