freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, North Dakota is more free than South Dakota overall, scoring 71 to 69 out of 100 and winning 3 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where North Dakota leads by 5.2 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where North Dakota leads 7.6 to 2.4 out of 10 — a 5.2-point gap. They also part ways on Education Choice (South Dakota +3.4) and Economic Freedom (South Dakota +1.2). Where they’re most alike is Religious Liberty (7.5 vs 7.5).
Bottom line: North Dakota’s strongest case is Regulatory Burden (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.
North Dakota leads in 3 categories · South Dakota leads in 3 · 4 tied
North Dakota ranks higher overall, scoring 71/100 versus 69/100 across the ten freedom categories. North Dakota wins 3 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 8.4/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
North Dakota scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.2/10 vs 8.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
South Dakota scores higher on education choice (4.9/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.