Every state finds its own path to its spot in our annual Top States rankings. Our exclusive formula scores all 50 states on more than 60 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness. We weigh the categories based on how often states use them as selling points to attract business. That way, we use hard data to measure whether the states live up to their claims. Roll over the bar chart to see how each state scores by category in 2016.
VIEW RANKINGS: Data Table | Chart | Maps
Four governors are candidates in the 2020 presidential election. A look at how their state ranked in the CNBC Top States for Business Survey in 2018 provides insight on their job performance in such areas as job growth, public health and education.
The impact of the U.S.-China trade war is greatest in states that export agricultural products, electronics and chemicals directly to China. California has taken the biggest hit followed by Texas, Illinois and Louisiana.
CNBC will release its America's Top States for Business 2019 survey in July. This year's competitive landscape is especially tricky, thanks to issues like a trade war, labor shortages and aging infrastructure.
CNBC unveils its 15th annual America's Top States for Business ranking, scoring all 50 states on 88 measures of competitiveness across 10 broad categories.
CNBC unveils its 14th annual America's Top States for Business ranking, scoring all 50 states on 85 measures of competitiveness across 10 broad categories.
CNBC unveils its 12th annual America's Top States for Business study. See where your state ranks in 2018.
