CNBC's 2025 Top States for Business: North Carolina Leads, State-by-State Rankings

CNBC's 2025 Top States for Business Rankings

• 🏆 North Carolina has been named the top state for business in CNBC's annual rankings, achieving the most overall points across 10 categories.
• 📊 While North Carolina secured the top spot, it did not win any single category, highlighting the strengths of other states in specific areas.

Top States by Category

• 💰 Florida leads in the economy category, recognized for its strong growth and healthy state finances.
• 🛣️ Ohio ranks first for infrastructure, offering broad access to people within a day's drive.
• 🧑‍💼 Texas boasts the top workforce and the lowest cost of doing business.
• ⚡ Oklahoma is noted for its low wage and utility costs.
• ⚖️ North Dakota is considered the most business-friendly state, particularly for its legal climate.
• 🏞️ Vermont excels in quality of life.
• 🔬 California leads in technology and innovation, and also offers the best access to capital.
• 📚 Virginia is ranked first for education.
• 💲 West Virginia provides the lowest cost of living.

Acknowledgements

• 👏 The report acknowledges the great people who work on the study each year, including the technical team, digital team, and producers.
• 🌐 Further details and results can be found at topstates.cnbc.com for 2025.