State vs State
North Dakota vs South Dakota: which is more free?
On the default equal-weight blend, North Dakota scores higher overall — 71 vs 69 out of 100. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where North Dakota leads by 5.2 points.
North Dakota leads in 3 categories · South Dakota leads in 3 · 4 tied
Category-by-category breakdown
What stands out in North Dakota
- Constitutional carry
- Low tax burden
- Strong property rights
What stands out in South Dakota
- No state income tax
- Constitutional carry
- Low regulatory burden
North Dakota vs South Dakota: common questions
Is North Dakota or South Dakota more free?
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.
Does North Dakota or South Dakota have more economic freedom and lower taxes?
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.
Which has stronger gun rights, North Dakota or South Dakota?
North Dakota scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.2/10 vs 8.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
North Dakota vs South Dakota: which is better for school choice?
South Dakota scores higher on education choice (4.9/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.