23. Ohio

A strengthening economy in the Buckeye State is attracting capital. But quality of life and the workforce rank near the bottom.

Category
Score
2015 Rank
2014 Rank
Workforce 169 43 46
Cost of Doing Business 225 13 (Tie) 15
Infrastructure 219 11 6
Economy 220 15 15
Quality of Life 91 43 43
Technology & Innovation 142 21 17
Education 113 20 (Tie) 15
Business Friendliness 50 37 (Tie) 33
Cost of Living 48 19 15
Access to Capital 44 7 29
Overall 1321 23 18

Economic Profile

Governor: John Kasich, Republican

Population: 11,594,163

GDP growth: 2.1 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2015): 5.2 percent

Top corporate tax rate: 0 percent

Top individual income tax rate: 5.33 percent

Gasoline tax: 46 cents/gallon

Bond rating/outlook: Aa1/stable

Major private employer: Wal-Mart, Cleveland Clinic

Economic profile sources: Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute, Moody's Investor Service, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio FY 2014 CAFR

FULL LIST: 2015 TOP STATES FOR BUSINESS

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.