In 2015, Libertas Institute launched a new, unique research project—the first of its kind in the country. The “Freest Cities Index” analyzed Utah’s top 50 most populous cities on over 100 metrics dealing with city laws and fees to analyze in which city Utahns will enjoy the most freedom.
The result? Heber City was ranked the Freest City, and Salt Lake City was ranked the Least Free City. Here is our policy analyst, Josh Daniels, presenting Heber city with their award:
The Index used statistical weighting and calculation to compute a relative score to determine each city’s ranking. Broken into three categories—individual liberty, private property rights, and free markets—the Index included metrics such as: free speech, gun regulations, alcohol sales, city debt, business permit fees, sales taxes, city-owned enterprises, and many more.
Residents were able to compare their city to neighboring ones, and people interested in moving to Utah were able to scout out ideal locations using this information which previously was very hard to find, let alone compare from one city to the next. And local elected officials interested in shrinking government were able to use our data to push for much-needed reforms.
