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America's Top States For BusinessIntroductionRankingsWhat We LearnedCriteriaAmerica's Top States For Business
Virginia is Tops for Business in 2007

Why do some states attract more business than others? How do they do it? And how does your state stack up? CNBC, America's Business Channel, and CNBC.com look at the best -- and worst -- states for business on 40 different measures of competitiveness in our new exclusive study.
Introduction from Scott Cohn | Our Methodology

Senior Correspondent Scott Cohn spent a week on the road, visiting the winning state as well the others in the top five, then shared his findings on why they're good homes for business with CNBC's "Power Lunch" and CNBC.com.

 Scott Cohn

Virginia - 1327 pts (Highest Rank - #4 in Business Friendliness; Lowest Rank: #35 in Cost of Living)
Texas - 1258 pts (Highest Rank - #1 in Economy; Lowest Rank: #31 in Education)
Utah - 1231 pts (Highest Rank - #2 in Quality of Life; Lowest Rank: #45 in Education)
Georgia - 1185 pts (Highest Rank - #2 in Workforce; Lowest Rank: #36 in Quality of Life)
North Carolina - 1153 pts (Highest Rank - #1 in Workforce; Lowest Rank: #30 in Education)


 

About The Grid -- We scored all 50 states -- using publicly available data -- on 40 different measures of competitiveness. States received points based on their rankings in each metric. Those metrics were put into ten broad categories, with input from business groups. We weighted the categories based on how frequently each is cited in state economic development marketing materials. In the grid above, states are ranked from 1 to 50 (based on point totals) in all 10 individual categories, as well as the overall one. Based on our scoring systems, ties did occur.
 

A State by State Look: Click the map below to view state information and fun facts.
 


Top States Video
Virginia & Business
Gov. Tim Kaine, (D) Virginia, tells CNBC's Sue Herera why Virgina is the best state for business.
Top States for Business
CNBC sr. correspondent Scott Cohn travels to Virginia, the best state in the country to do business
Top States for Business
CNBC sr. correspondent Scott Cohn travels to Texas to see why it's the second best state for business.
Top States for Business
CNBC sr. correspondent Scott Cohn travels the U.S. looking for the country's most business-friendly states
Top States for Business
CNBC sr. correspondent Scott Cohn travels the U.S. looking for the country's most business-friendly states. Today, he's ...
Top States for Business
CNBC sr. correspondent Scott Cohn travels the U.S. looking for the country's most business-friendly states. Today, Scott...
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America's Top States For Business
Tell us what you think
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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