Source: Melissa Kopka / Getty
North Carolina has once again been recognized as the best state for business by CNBC, earning the top spot in the network’s annual rankings for the third time since 2022. The state previously held the No. 1 ranking in both 2022 and 2023 and was runner-up in 2021 and 2024.
“This confirms what we have known for a long time – that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our people, state’s business climate, top research universities and excellent community college system, infrastructure, and high quality of life help both companies and workers thrive. I want to thank leaders like former Governor Roy Cooper and state legislators of both parties who have helped North Carolina create a welcoming climate. I am proud of the progress our state has made, and we are just getting started.”
North Carolina scored 1,614 out of a possible 2,500 points, standing out in key categories like economy, workforce, infrastructure, and business friendliness. The rankings are based on 10 categories, with weights determined by how states promote themselves to businesses.
In 2023 alone, the state announced 218 business recruitment and expansion projects, expected to create nearly 17,000 new jobs and bring $15.2 billion in capital investment — including $730 million from five major projects in Greenville-Pitt County.
Virginia, last year’s top-ranked state, dropped to its lowest position since 2018.
North Carolina Named CNBC’s Top State for Business for Third Time in Four Years was originally published on wbt.com
1. North Carolina
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2. Texas
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3. Florida
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4. Virginia
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5. Ohio
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6. Michigan
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7. Georgia
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8. Tennessee
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9. Indiana
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JULY 13: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands on the center court logo and waits for play to resume during a game against the Dallas Wings on July 13, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) color image,photography,people,one person,horizontal,usa,sport,waiting,match – sport,logo,sports activity,wnba,women’s basketball,indianapolis,bankers life fieldhouse,indiana,center court,dallas wings – basketball team,indiana fever – basketball team,caitlin clark
10. Minnesota
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