35. Maryland

The Old Line State runs circles around much of the country for education and innovation. But high costs and burdensome regulations are barriers to business success.

Category
Score
2014 Rank
2013 Rank
Cost of Doing Business 104 45 41
Workforce 158 20 (Tie) 20
Quality of Life 149 26 25
Infrastructure & Transportation 140 39 46
Economy 229 24 33
Education 103 7 2
Technology & Innovation 240 7 9
Business Friendliness 59 42 (Tie) 45
Cost of Living 10 41 42
Access to Capital 12 27 (Tie) 9
Overall 1204 35 40

Economic Profile

Governor: Martin O'Malley, Democrat

Population: 5,928,814

GDP growth: 0.0 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2014): 5.5 percent

Top corporate tax rate: 8.25 percent

Top individual income tax rate: 5.75 percent

Gasoline tax: 45 cents/gallon

Bond rating/outlook: Aaa/stable

Major private employer: Johns Hopkins

Economic profile sources: Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute, Moody's Investor Service, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Maryland Dept of Business and Economic Development

Top States for Business

From the Governors

Latest Special Reports

  • CNBC Changemakers

    CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.

  • Unlock the keys to building a successful long-term financial plan: manage your money, grow your money, and protect it.

  • More than ever, the hope for a sustainable world has gained traction among the next generation of businesses, policymakers and investors. CNBC’s Sustainable Future focuses on how smart investments, new ideas and tech innovation can generate commerce — and a world — with staying power.