North Carolina Tops Forbes List of Best States for Business

Raleigh, N.C. - For the second consecutive year, North Carolina is the nation’s No. 2 best state for business according to Forbes magazine. Forbes' annual “Best States for Business” list measures which states have the best business climates and are poised to succeed going forward. North Carolina is the only state in the southeast to be ranked in the top five. “This ranking is further affirmation that our pro-growth economic policies and excellent business climate have once again made North Carolina a top destination for jobs,” said Governor McCrory. “Our economy continues to outperform the nation as we are home to the most improved tax climate in the country and have added more than 300,000 new jobs since 2013.” Forbes' “Best States for Business” rankings are based on an assessment of criteria that include job growth, costs, educational attainment and start-up activity. Among the highlights of North Carolina’s ranking is the cost to do business in the state, which is 10 percent below the national average.