North Carolina ranks No. 2 on CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business, slipping one spot from last year’s No. 1 finish, as Ohio claims the top position for the first time in the annual study’s 20-year history.
The Tar Heel State scored 1,614 points out of a possible 2,500, finishing just nine points behind Ohio, according to CNBC’s exclusive analysis released Wednesday. North Carolina’s consistent strength—it has finished first or second for six consecutive years—reflects a state economy that continues to attract businesses despite rising costs.
North Carolina earned its highest marks in the Economy category, where it ranks No. 1 nationally. The state’s economy grew at 3.20% in the first quarter of 2026, with an unemployment rate of 3.70% as of May 2026, according to CNBC data. The state also improved to No. 3 for Workforce, up from No. 4 in 2025.
However, growth has come with trade-offs. North Carolina dropped significantly in cost-of-living categories, ranking 35th for Cost of Living and 34th for Quality of Life. The state went a full year without passing a budget before Governor Josh Stein signed legislation last week, yet maintained strong job and economic growth throughout that period.
CNBC’s study measures all 50 states across 10 categories of competitiveness, assigning weights based on how states market themselves to business. Infrastructure received the highest weight this year at 440 points (17.6% of the total), followed by Economy at 415 points (16.6%). The methodology evaluates metrics ranging from real estate costs and utility rates to workforce education levels and business incentives.
North Carolina’s No. 2 finish places it ahead of Virginia (No. 3), Texas (No. 4), and Minnesota (No. 5). The state’s combination of a strong economy and competitive workforce continues to position it among America’s most attractive destinations for business, even as affordability challenges mount for residents.
Sources
- CNBC — North Carolina’s 2026 ranking, category scores, and state economic profile (GDP growth, unemployment, tax rates)
- CNBC — Ohio’s first-place finish and CNBC’s 2026 Top States methodology and point allocations
- WRAL — North Carolina’s economy ranking and workforce improvements year-over-year
