CNBC Presents America's Top States For Business 2007

Carlton A. on Florida:
"Florida has long been regarded as a place for tourists and retirees. However, because of it's location, univeristy system, void of income tax, well maintained and developed highway infrastructure, numerous international and regional airports, sea ports..."

Tracy F. on North Dakota:
"Leadership gurus around the globe say that today’s companies want a workforce whose actions speak louder than their words. Companies want to hire and promote people who get to the point, get the job done and get results...."

Claude L. on North Carolina:
"North Carolina is certainly among the top five states in business. All you have to do is ask people from Manteo to Murphy why they live, work, worship and play here...."

Betty K. on Texas:
"I think Texas is # 1. This is a great state to work and reside in. San Antonio has great medical facilities and research."

Joseph R. on Nevada:
"NEVADA! It is very hard to believe that you have ranked Nevada at #43! In Nevada there is no state income tax, no corporate tax, no inheritance tax, we have one of the best economies in the nation..."

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Texas

Previous: Tennessee | Next: Utah

Oil refineries in Galveston Bay, Texas City, Texas. / AP

Year of Statehood:	1845
Governor:	Rick Perry (R)
Population:	22,859,968
Gross State Product:	$43,283 (per capita)
Growth Rate:	4.7%
Unemployment Rate:	4.1%
Major Industries:	Petroleum and Natural Gas, Banking, Steel, Insurance, Tourism
Related Links:	- State Economic Development - Official State Website

Texas received 1258 out of 2021 possible points. The Lone Star State made it into the top ten in six individual categories: Workforce (7), Technology & Innovation (5), Transportation (5), Cost Of Living (4), Access To Capital (3) and Economy (1).

Its worst showings were in Cost of Doing Business (27), Business Friendliness (24), Quality of Life (26) and Education (31).

Texas has the nation’s second-largest economy and one of the most diverse. As the home of the oil and gas industry and such companies as Exxon Mobil, Valero and Schlumberger, it is also a new economy player with Dell Computer and EDS based there. AMR, the parent of American Airlines, and retailer JC Penney are also headquartered in Texas. On a more infamous note, Enron was based in Houston.

Texas is one of the few states with no individual income tax, which has attracted both employers and individuals.

On The Road With Scott Cohn In Texas

Rank	Category	Score
2	OVERALL	1258
27	Cost of Doing Business	216
7	Workforce	231
1	Economy	248
31	Education	111
26	Quality of Life	121
5	Technology & Innovation	133
5	Transportation	77
4	Cost of Living	47
24	Business Friendliness	26
3	Access to Capital	48

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