North Carolina Reclaims Top Spot as CNBC’s #1 State for Business in 2025

North Carolina has earned the top spot in CNBC’s 2025 ranking of America’s Top States for Business, marking its third time in four years at No. 1. The state ranked highly across key categories of economy, workforce, infrastructure, and business friendliness. Analysts scored all 50 states based on 10 broad categories, totaling 86 metrics that reflect how well a state supports business growth and job creation.

North Carolina was recognized for its robust economy, skilled workforce, and continued investments in innovation and infrastructure. It ranked first in Economy and second in Workforce, with CNBC noting strong GDP growth, high job creation, and a well-educated labor pool. While the state ranked 29th in Quality of Life and 23rd in Cost of Living, its overall score of 1,614 out of 2,500 points put it ahead of Texas and Florida.

The report highlights North Carolina’s growing reputation as a national business leader and its appeal to both established companies and emerging industries. Read more about the full rankings here.