Virginia scored 1327 out of a possible 2021 points based on our ten-category study, but interestingly enough failed to place number one in any one individual category. It did, however, place in the top 15 in all but two categories.

Its best showing was No. 3 in the economy category. No wonder, though. Virginia has one of the lowest unemployment rates of any state. It tied for No.4 in the Business Friendliness category. Virginia’s worst showing was Cost of Living, where it ranked 35.

Virginia is home to banking giant Capital One, Philip Morris (a subsidiary of Altria) and--because of its close proximity to the nation’s capital and The Pentagon--major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics.

Virginia is the birthplace of U.S. presidents and Civil War generals, but its claim to fame may not inventors or captains of industry. As befits one of the original colonies, it did play a role in the Industrial Revolution. Cyrus Hall McCormick is credited with inventing the grain reaper, while James Rumsey (a Maryland native) pioneered steamboat development while living in the state.