The economy in the Tar Heel State can be a boon to business. But steps toward inclusiveness are needed.
Getty Images
North Carolina Score and Ranking
| Category | 2021 Score | 2021 Rank | 2019 Rank | 2021 Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Doing Business | 242 | 15 | 21 | B+ |
| Infrastructure | 200 | 21 | 17 | C+ |
| Life, Health & Inclusion | 145 | 37 | -- | D- |
| Workforce | 239 | 6 | 7 | A- |
| Economy | 187 | 4 | 1 | A+ |
| Business Friendliness | 141 | 9 | 17 | B+ |
| Access to Capital | 141 | 8 | 6 | B+ |
| Technology & Innovation | 119 | 10 | 9 | B+ |
| Education | 90 | 17 | 21 | B- |
| Cost of Living | 42 | 23 | 19 | C+ |
| Overall | 1546 | 2 | 3 | -- |
Economic Profile
Governor: Roy Cooper, Democrat
Population: 10,600,823
GDP growth (Q1 2021): 6.5%
Unemployment rate (May 2021): 4.8%
Top corporate tax rate: 2.5%
Top individual income tax rate: 5.25%
Gasoline tax: 36.35 cents/gallon
Bond rating (Moody's/S&P): Aaa, stable/AAA, stable
Major private employers: Wal-Mart, Bank of America
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
