North Carolina was named No. 2 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business 2026 rankings, with Ohio taking the top spot this year. CNBC scored all 50 states on 138 metrics across 10 broad categories to build the list.
Though the Tar Heel State didn’t finish first overall, its economy ranked best in the nation, according to CNBC. Job and economic growth remain strong, and the state recently passed a 2027 budget. North Carolina’s workforce ranked third nationally, while its technology and innovation and its overall business friendliness both landed at No. 8.
The state has finished first or second in each of the past six years, missing the top spot this year by just nine points.
South Carolina’s economy also landed in the top 10, taking home the No. 6 spot. Its workforce was ranked No. 8.
In early July, Site Selection Magazine awarded the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance a Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, recognizing its financial services sector and several major industrial projects. The award goes to the top 20 regional economic development groups in the country each year.
Last month, North Carolina also won Area Development’s Platinum Shovel Award for the third time in four years, an honor recognizing national excellence in economic development. The award spotlighted Scout Motors in Charlotte and Jabil in Salisbury. South Carolina picked up the Silver Shovel Award, reflecting consistent, strategic execution that builds economic strength.
