17. Wisconsin

The Badger State offers strong education and a good economy, but businesses are hampered by a worker shortage.

A parade of 10,000 motorcycles pass spectators lining the rooftop of the Teamsters hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Getty Images
A parade of 10,000 motorcycles pass spectators lining the rooftop of the Teamsters hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Economic Profile

Governor: Scott Walker, Republican

Population: 5,795,483

GDP growth (Q4 2017): 3.1 percent

Unemployment rate (May 2018): 2.8 percent

Top corporate tax rate: 7.9 percent

Top individual income tax rate: 7.65 percent

Gasoline tax: 32.90 cents/gallon

Bond rating (Moody's/S&P): Aa1, stable/AA, stable

Major private employers: Wal-Mart, Johnson Controls

Economic profile sources: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute (excluding 18.40 cent/gallon federal tax), Moody's Investor Service, S&P Global Market Intelligence

Top States Past Year Rankings

  • Computer network of United States of America.

    CNBC unveils its 15th annual America's Top States for Business ranking, scoring all 50 states on 88 measures of competitiveness across 10 broad categories.

  • CNBC unveils its 14th annual America's Top States for Business ranking, scoring all 50 states on 85 measures of competitiveness across 10 broad categories.

  • Soccer Fans Gather To Watch US Team's Knockout Stage Match Against Belgium

    CNBC unveils its 12th annual America's Top States for Business study. See where your state ranks in 2018.

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.

  • A look at 50 private companies set to reshape the business landscape.

  • Automation, AI and machine learning will radically influence the relationship between employers and their workforce.