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A new study ranks West Virginia in the middle of the states when it comes to measures of freedom.
“Freedom in the 50 States” is an annual report from the Cato Institute that looks at 97 different measures of freedom. Those include support for, and protection of, economic freedom and personal freedom across a wide range of issues.
The 2026 edition also grades governors on how well, or poorly, they have advanced both economic and personal liberty in their states.
West Virginia ranked 27th overall and received a C rating. Gov. Patrick Morrisey received C rating and was 23rd overall. The Mountain State received an A rating for firearm freedom, but an F for fiscal burden.
The report defines fiscal burden as “a measure of the financial resources commanded by state and local governments…government spending levels and the tax burden.”
That includes both taxes and government debt. The report summary notes that: “Including debt ensures that the rankings do not advantage a state that cuts taxes without cutting spending. Furthermore, a state that generates the minimum revenues necessary (i.e., a low tax burden) to undertake only the most necessary government functions may do so through a growth-restraining tax code, even if the state never has to issue debt.”
The fiscal burden category consists of nine measures grouped into the following five sub-categories:
- Government spending
- Government employment
- Tax burden
- Income tax policy
- Government debt
Both the states and governors are graded on 97 policy variables spread across and grouped into 10 topic categories.
Montana’s governor received the highest score and was second overall, behind Arizona. Hawaii and New York ranked last in both categories.
The Cato Institute is a libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C.