North Carolina Tops CNBC’s Best States for Business Rankings

News Summary

North Carolina has achieved the top spot in CNBC’s Best States for Business rankings, marking its third number one finish in four years. The state excels in various categories, including Economy and Workforce, showcasing its strong labor pool and a robust growth rate. With significant investments from companies like JetZero and Amazon, North Carolina is leading the way in job creation despite facing challenges such as a lower ranking for Quality of Life and ongoing recovery issues. The state’s favorable business climate continues to attract major investments.

North Carolina Shines Bright in CNBC’s Best States for Business Rankings

Hey folks, let’s talk business! North Carolina earned a shiny new accolade recently as it took the top spot in CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business” study for 2025! This is quite a feat, as it’s the third time in just four years that the Tar Heel State has topped the charts—definitely something to celebrate!

A Quick Recap

In 2024, North Carolina was the runner-up, but it has consistently shown its prowess, having previously snagged the number one position in 2022 and 2023. The ranking is no small potatoes—it’s based on a whopping 135 metrics across 10 categories meant to reflect what businesses really need to thrive.

Why the Hype?

So, what makes North Carolina such a strong contender? Its well-rounded economy really turns heads. The state has shown off its capabilities by finishing in the top five for Economy, Workforce, and Business Friendliness. Let’s take a closer look:

• Economy: North Carolina ranked third in this key category!
• Workforce: It secured fourth place, signaling a solid labor pool.

Speaking of the economy, last year the state enjoyed an impressive GDP growth of 3.7%, landing it in fifth place across the nation for economic growth. It doesn’t stop there. Over 60,000 new jobs were created last year, showcasing a flourishing job market. In fact, North Carolina has been recognized as a leader in fields like STEM and vocational training for workers. Sounds promising, right?

Noteworthy Developments

Hold onto your hats, because exciting stuff is happening in North Carolina! Take JetZero, for example, which plans to build a new factory in Greensboro. This project is set to create about 14,500 jobs—talk about a job boom! And let’s not forget about Amazon, which has decided to invest a staggering $10 billion in a data center in Richmond County. This adds to its previous $12 billion investment in the state since 2010. Clearly, North Carolina has struck a chord with big businesses.

A Mixed Bag

However, not everything comes up roses. Interestingly, despite its shiny ranking, North Carolina finished 29th for Quality of Life. This lower ranking may stem from factors like limited worker protections and low unionization rates. Balancing business success with quality of living is a challenge that remains.

Climate for Growth

Another reason behind North Carolina’s stellar performance lies in its favorable business climate. The state boasts low tort liability costs and high marks for economic freedom. There’s also a nice touch of political bipartisanship on business issues, with leaders from both parties agreeing on the importance of nurturing a business-friendly environment. Now that’s teamwork!

Potential Hurdles

However, every state has its hurdles. North Carolina faces some ongoing challenges related to recovery from Hurricane Helene and potential Medicaid cuts that could impact hundreds of thousands of residents. Additionally, the state’s stability in response to federal policy changes is vital, especially for businesses eyeing investment.

Where Does Texas Stand?

Following North Carolina in the rankings are other reputable states like Texas, Florida, Virginia, and Ohio. Meanwhile, states at the bottom of the rankings include Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Rhode Island, and Louisiana. While North Carolina continues to climb, it’s essential to stay aware of the ever-changing landscape of business and economy.

So, as North Carolina basks in the glory of yet another top ranking, it’s clear that a well-balanced approach to economic development, workforce stability, and business-friendly policies is the way to go. Texas certainly has its work cut out for itself, but with its own strong attributes, the competition continues!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• CNBC: North Carolina Top State for Business
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina Economy
• Business NC: North Carolina Tops CNBC Study Again
• NC Newsline: North Carolina Ranked Top State for Business
• Dallas News: Texas Edged Out by North Carolina