Study Overview - CNBC is conducting its 19th annual study to determine America's Top States for Business [1] - The study uses a methodology crafted in 2007, evaluating states based on 10 categories of competitiveness [2] - The weighting of these categories changes yearly based on what states emphasize in their marketing [2] Key Categories and Factors - Economy is the top-weighted category this year, reflecting economic anxiety and state finances [2][3] - Infrastructure is a significant factor, including sites, roads, bridges, and computing power [3][4] - Workforce remains a crucial consideration due to worker shortages [4] - Cost of doing business encompasses taxes, wages, and incentives [4] - Business friendliness includes how states support emerging industries like artificial intelligence [5] - Quality of life, technology and innovation, education, access to capital, and cost of living are also considered [5] Risks and Challenges - The study factors in risks from tariffs and federal budget cuts [3] - The reduction in federal research money impacts technology and innovation rankings [5] - High insurance costs are a factor affecting the cost of living [5] Upcoming Reveal - The top state for business will be revealed tomorrow morning on Worldwide Exchange and Squawkbox [6][7] - State rankings will be available at topstates.cnbc.com [7][8]

We are just about a week away from revealing America's top states for business for 2025 in CNBC's annual study. Once again this year, the cost of insurance factors into our rankings. Scott Kong joins us from the epicenter of a national crisis in California.Scott, good morning. Melissa, we're in Pacific Palisades. Uh uh 6,800 structures were destroyed here and 12 people died.Uh, still a great deal of destruction, but as you can see, there is some rebuilding going on and critically here in Southern California ...