The 2025 Top States for Business Honor Roll

State Competitiveness Rankings - North Carolina achieved the highest overall score in CNBC's competitiveness rankings, based on points across 10 categories [2] - The study assesses states based on points across 10 categories of competitiveness [2] Category Leaders - Florida leads in economy due to strong growth and healthy state finances [2] - Ohio excels in infrastructure, offering access to more people within a day's drive than any other state [3] - Texas has the top workforce and the lowest cost of doing business [3] - Oklahoma offers low wage and utility costs [3] - North Dakota is the most business-friendly, particularly regarding its legal climate [3] - Vermont is ranked highest for quality of life [3] - California leads in technology and innovation [3] - Virginia is the top state for education [4] - California provides the best access to capital [4] - West Virginia has the lowest cost of living [4]