freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Ohio is more free than Pennsylvania overall, scoring 58 to 56 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Ohio leads by 4.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is Drug Policy, where Ohio leads 9.5 to 5.5 out of 10 — a 4.0-point gap. They also part ways on Economic Freedom (Pennsylvania +3.4) and Education Choice (Ohio +2.8). Where they’re most alike is Property Rights (8.0 vs 8.0).
Bottom line: Ohio’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Pennsylvania’s is Property Rights (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Ohio leads in 4 categories · Pennsylvania leads in 4 · 2 tied
Ohio ranks higher overall, scoring 58/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. Ohio wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Pennsylvania scores higher on economic freedom (6.5/10 vs 3.1/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Ohio scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.5/10 vs 3.7/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Ohio scores higher on education choice (8.5/10 vs 5.7/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.