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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](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/results-and-summary) 

Cato Institute

Freedom in the 50 States

Select a category Reset 

Explore other categories 

[Download map](#) 

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State Grades Governor Grades 

▲ 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](https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PSdhA/with-logo.png) 

![Governor overall freedom ranks, scores and grades](https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JAPq2/with-logo.png) 

Subject State Governor 

Loading chart…

## 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.

[Explore Dashboard](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/freedom-50-states-data) 

# Categories

[![FIT50 Thumbnail Test](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Fiscal%20Burden_%20Purple%20Patriotism.png?itok=uNDbe4n0)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/fiscal-burden) 

Publications 

### [Fiscal Burden](/freedom-50-states/2026/fiscal-burden) 

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

[![Housing Freedom v2](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Housing%20freedom%20in%20an%20American%20neighborhood.png?itok=rY6FrvVU)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/housing-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Housing Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/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](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Occupational%20freedom.png?itok=o_7AjNfb)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/occupational-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Occupational Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/occupational-freedom) 

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

[![Tech and Consumer Freedom](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Tech%20and%20Consumer%20Freedom.png?itok=dtbhjn9K)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/tech-consumer-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Tech and Consumer Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/tech-consumer-freedom) 

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

[![Education Freedom](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Education%20freedom%20through%20collaborative%20learning.png?itok=zjcmSRnf)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/education-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Education Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/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](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Wider%20shop%20view%20with%20firearm%20rack.png?itok=1G9CYA5t)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/firearm-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Firearm Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/firearm-freedom) 

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

[![Freedom from Law Enforcement Overreach v4](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Purple%20Panel%20With%20Tinted%20Photograph-2.png?itok=dbl9oPQ0)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/freedom-law-enforcement-overreach) 

Publications 

### [Freedom from Law Enforcement Overreach](/freedom-50-states/2026/freedom-law-enforcement-overreach) 

A measure of the strength and scope of laws regarding several types of police power, law enforcement accountability, and surveillance.

[![Freedom of Speech and Association v2](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Deep%20purple%20panel%20with%20photo%20thumbnail-3.png?itok=xEkxQ4yB)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/freedom-speech-association) 

Publications 

### [Freedom of Speech and Association](/freedom-50-states/2026/freedom-speech-association) 

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

[![Medical Freedom](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Doctor%20and%20patient%20on%20purple%20panel.png?itok=eNMWVQy_)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/medical-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Medical Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/medical-freedom) 

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

[![Recreational Freedom](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2026-10/Recreational%20Freedom%20thumbnail%20with%20purple%20panel-1.png?itok=mMfr6ywp)](https://www.cato.org/freedom-50-states/2026/recreational-freedom) 

Publications 

### [Recreational Freedom](/freedom-50-states/2026/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.