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The 2026 edition of “Freedom in the 50 States” ranks US states on their support for and protection of both economic freedom and personal freedom across a wide range of issues. For the first time in the report’s history, this edition also grades governors on how well or poorly they have advanced both economic and personal liberty in their states.

Results and Summary
Freedom in the 50 States
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▲ Higher · ▼ Lower · = Same letter grade as the state

These grades are based on objective factors and are not intended, nor should they be construed, to be an endorsement or opposition of any candidate.

State overall freedom ranks, scores and grades
Governor overall freedom ranks, scores and grades
Subject

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Data Dashboard

This interactive visualization lets users compare the grades, ranks, and scores of both states and governors. Explore the ten measured freedom categories, how they relate to one another, and how they contribute to the aggregate economic, personal and total freedom results.

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Categories

FIT50 Thumbnail Test
Publications

Fiscal Burden

A measure of the financial resources — taxes, spending, and government debt — commanded by state and local governments.

Housing Freedom v2
Publications

Housing Freedom

A measure of state laws that impact an individual’s ability to build, buy, or live in the housing of their choice.

Occupational Freedom
Publications

Occupational Freedom

A measure of state policies regarding employment and the freedom to contract.

Tech and Consumer Freedom
Publications

Tech and Consumer Freedom

A measure of how freely consumers and entrepreneurs can use and offer new and beneficial technology in a state.

Education Freedom
Publications

Education Freedom

A measure of the degree to which a state protects the freedom of parents and students to choose the educational path—public, charter, private, or home-based—that best fits their needs.

Firearm Freedom
Publications

Firearm Freedom

A measure of the degree to which a state protects or restricts the exercise of Second Amendment rights.

Medical Freedom
Publications

Medical Freedom

A measure of how free individuals are to make decisions about their own health care in a state.

Recreational Freedom
Publications

Recreational Freedom

A measure of the degree to which the state protects or infringes on the right of responsible adults to engage in recreational activities like gambling and the consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana.