North Carolina has been named the top state for business by CNBC, with credit given to its economy and workforce.

To find out, I analyzed every CNBC ranking from 2007 through 2025 — every category, every data point, every dizzying swing.

Landing atop the much-watched list gives the Tar Heel State bragging rights. It could also help North Carolina get more jobs.

It earned the distinction for the third time in the past four years due to “a solid economy, a world-class workforce, and a ...

Despite ranking first overall for business, the state ranked 29th for quality of life in the CNBC survey. When asked why North Carolina's friendliness toward businesses does not translate to higher ...

For the third time in four years, CNBC has ranked North Carolina as “America’s Top State for Business” in 2025.

CNBC scored states across 135 metrics to assess where businesses are likely to find favorable conditions for success.

State Rep. John Bell, the powerful Republican Rules Committee chair, wrote on social media that “North Carolina is back on ...

With a solid economy, a world-class workforce, and a wealth of corporate hospitality, North Carolina is America's Top State for Business in 2025.

North Carolina is back on top of CNBC's best-states-for-business ranking after barely missing it last year. Even so, the ...

Texas’ economy is considered a “miracle” by many, but it couldn’t quite overcome rival North Carolina in CNBC’s 2025 ranking of “America’s Top State for Business” released Thursday. The Lone Star ...

North Carolina is once again the best state for business. CNBC ranked it No. 1 in the country for the third time in four years, crediting a strong economy, growing workforce, and business-friendly ...