State vs State
North Carolina vs South Carolina: which is more free?
On the default equal-weight blend, North Carolina scores higher overall — 65 vs 56 out of 100. The widest gap is in 4th Amendment, where North Carolina leads by 4.0 points.
North Carolina leads in 6 categories · South Carolina leads in 4 · 0 tied
Category-by-category breakdown
What stands out in North Carolina
- Flat income tax dropping to 3.99%
- Opportunity Scholarships
- Repealed pistol purchase permit
What stands out in South Carolina
- Constitutional carry
- ESA education choice
- Right-to-work state
North Carolina vs South Carolina: common questions
Is North Carolina or South Carolina more free?
North Carolina ranks higher overall, scoring 65/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. North Carolina wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Does North Carolina or South Carolina have more economic freedom and lower taxes?
North Carolina scores higher on economic freedom (8.8/10 vs 5.9/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Which has stronger gun rights, North Carolina or South Carolina?
South Carolina scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.3/10 vs 4.9/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
North Carolina vs South Carolina: which is better for school choice?
North Carolina scores higher on education choice (7.3/10 vs 5.8/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.