freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Montana is more free than South Dakota overall, scoring 72.1 to 69.0 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where Montana leads by 4.9 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where Montana leads 7.3 to 2.4 out of 10 — a 4.9-point gap. They also part ways on Property Rights (South Dakota +4.5) and Economic Freedom (South Dakota +4.1). Where they’re most alike is 4th Amendment (4.5 vs 4.5).
Bottom line: Montana’s strongest case is 2nd Amendment (9.6/10), while South Dakota’s is Regulatory Burden (9.8/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Montana leads in 5 categories · South Dakota leads in 4 · 1 tied
Montana ranks higher overall, scoring 72.1/100 versus 69.0/100 across the ten freedom categories. Montana wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
South Dakota scores higher on economic freedom (9.6/10 vs 5.5/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Montana scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.6/10 vs 8.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Montana scores higher on education choice (7.3/10 vs 4.9/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.