freedomrankings.comThe US Freedom Index
This interactive map scores all 50 US states across ten freedom categories and color-codes them from green (most free) to red (least free). Pick a category to recolor the map, click any state for its breakdown, and use Compare to set two states side by side. The link in your address bar always opens this exact view.
Every number on this page follows the source you pick. How each is built
Default. Eight categories come from named outside publishers such as Fraser and NORML. Two are editorial.
Per-category sources. Hover any chip for edition detail and a link to the publisher.
How freedom is measured
Every state score is a weighted average across these ten categories. Each category draws from a named third-party publication -- see the tile for the source of record.
The map displays an overall freedom score for each of the 50 US states, color-coded from green (most free) to red (least free). Scores are calculated across ten liberty categories including economic freedom, 2nd Amendment rights, education choice, criminal justice, drug policy, and regulatory burden.
Each state receives an overall freedom score from 0 to 100 based on a weighted average of ten category scores. States with higher scores appear greener, while lower-scoring states appear redder. The gradient makes it easy to spot regional patterns at a glance.
Yes. Click or tap any state to open its breakdown beside the map: overall score, letter grade, rank, and all ten category scores against the national average. From there you can compare it with a second state, or open its full profile page for elected officials and recent legislation.
Rankings update as new data is published from our third-party sources. The current number-one state is always displayed with the brightest green color on the map. Visit the Rankings page for the full 1–50 ordered list with scores and grades.
The map reflects the latest available data from each source. Most third-party indices publish annually, and scores are refreshed as new editions are released. The data sources include Fraser EFNA, EdChoice, Institute for Justice, Vera Institute, NORML, Mercatus, and Guns & Ammo.