New Hampshire has been ranked the freest state in North America for the 23rd consecutive year, according to the latest Economic Freedom of North America report released on December 5, 2024. The state scored 8.12 out of 10 based on data from 2022, reflecting its commitment to policies that empower individuals. Andrew Cline, president of the Josiah Bartlett Center, emphasized the importance of governance that prioritizes economic freedom, which is linked to prosperity and job growth. [96ffb47a]
Following New Hampshire in the rankings are South Dakota in second place, Florida in third, Tennessee in fourth, and Texas in fifth. In stark contrast, Puerto Rico was ranked last with a score of 2.13, highlighting significant disparities in economic freedom across the region. The report also identified New York, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Vermont as the least free states in the U.S., with New York occupying the 50th position. [96ffb47a]
The findings of this report align with the broader trends observed in the 2024 Economic Freedom of the World index, which ranked Hong Kong as the freest economy globally, followed by Singapore and Switzerland. Both reports underscore the critical role that economic freedom plays in enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic growth. [3fff17be]
As economic freedom has generally declined since its peak in 2004, with a notable drop until 2009, the current rankings serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many states in maintaining and promoting economic liberties. The co-authors of the report, José Torra and Ángel Carrión-Tavárez, noted that higher levels of economic freedom are consistently associated with better economic outcomes. [96ffb47a]
In light of these findings, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu praised the state's governance model, which prioritizes individual empowerment and economic opportunities. The emphasis on economic freedom is seen as crucial for fostering a prosperous environment for residents and businesses alike. [96ffb47a]
