freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, North Carolina is more free than Virginia overall, scoring 65 to 57 out of 100 and winning 7 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in 4th Amendment, where North Carolina leads by 4.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is 4th Amendment, where North Carolina leads 8.5 to 4.5 out of 10 — a 4.0-point gap. They also part ways on Drug Policy (Virginia +3.5) and Education Choice (North Carolina +2.4). Where they’re most alike is Religious Liberty (7.0 vs 6.5).
Bottom line: North Carolina’s strongest case is Economic Freedom (8.8/10), while Virginia’s is Drug Policy (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
North Carolina leads in 7 categories · Virginia leads in 3 · 0 tied
North Carolina ranks higher overall, scoring 65/100 versus 57/100 across the ten freedom categories. North Carolina wins 7 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
North Carolina scores higher on economic freedom (8.8/10 vs 7.1/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
North Carolina scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (4.9/10 vs 3.1/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
North Carolina scores higher on education choice (7.3/10 vs 4.9/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.