North Carolina Business Surge Leads 2025 State Rankings

North Carolina is America’s Top State for Business in 2025, according to CNBC. The state has now won the top ranking three times since 2022. Last year, it missed the crown by just three points, finishing second to Virginia.

Economic Momentum Continues

The state’s economy grew 3.7% in 2024, placing fifth in the nation. North Carolina added over 60,000 jobs last year. Big-name companies are betting on the state. Amazon announced a $10B data center expansion in June. JetZero, an aviation startup, will bring 14,500 jobs to Greensboro with a new factory.

A Powerful Workforce and Business-Friendly Climate

North Carolina ranks No. 4 in Workforce. It leads in attracting college-educated workers and offers strong STEM and vocational talent pipelines. The state also ranks No. 4 in Business Friendliness. It has low liability costs and ranks high in economic freedom. Lawmakers across party lines continue to prioritize job growth and investment.

But There Are Headwinds

Hurricane Helene caused nearly $60B in damages and killed 100 people in the state. Recovery is ongoing. Governor Josh Stein has requested $11.5B in federal aid. He warns that cuts to FEMA and other federal programs could slow rebuilding.

Other risks include cuts to Medicaid and research funding, which could affect hospitals and universities. Over 20% of North Carolina’s GDP comes from international trade. Tariff volatility is already reducing traffic at the Wilmington port.

Worker Protections Remain Weak

While the business climate is strong, the Quality of Life ranking tells another story. North Carolina places No. 29 in this category. It ranks last in Oxfam’s Best and Worst States to Work report due to limited worker protections. It is also one of five states without laws guarding against public accommodation discrimination for nondisabled people.

Scoring Breakdown

North Carolina earned 1,614 out of 2,500 points across 10 categories. These include Economy (445 points), Infrastructure (405), and Workforce (335). The rankings reflect how states promote themselves to businesses.

The Rest of the Top Five

• Texas finishes second. It ranks No. 1 in Workforce but struggles with health coverage and crime.
• Florida takes third place with the top Economy rating but faces a rising cost of living.
• Virginia drops to fourth due to federal job cuts.
• Ohio enters the top five with excellent Infrastructure and a low cost of doing business.

Why It Matters

North Carolina shows that a strong economy, skilled labor, and policy alignment drive business success. But climate risk and federal decisions could shift that balance.

What’s Next

Governor Stein emphasizes fiscal caution and bipartisan cooperation. He wants to avoid tax hikes while preparing for uncertain federal support. The state plans to build on its momentum — but the road ahead may be bumpy.