Ohio was named the top U.S. state for business in CNBC’s 2026 "America’s Top States for Business" study released Thursday [1].
The ranking marks a significant shift in regional economic competitiveness, signaling that the Midwest may be attracting more corporate investment through cost-efficiency and physical assets.
CNBC evaluated the rankings using 138 metrics across 10 different categories [2]. The network said Ohio’s best-in-nation infrastructure and low business costs were the primary reasons for the state's top finish [3].
This result represents the culmination of a years-long rise for the state. In the inaugural CNBC study conducted in 2007, Ohio was ranked 30th [4]. The climb to the No. 1 spot [1] reflects a long-term trend in the state's economic strategy.
The announcement took place in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and was detailed by CNBC special correspondent Scott Cohn [1]. The study provides a comprehensive look at how various states manage their business environments to attract new industry, and retain existing employers [2].
While the report highlights the state's current strengths, the 138 metrics [2] used by CNBC provide a granular view of the factors that influence where companies choose to locate their headquarters or manufacturing plants. By prioritizing infrastructure and cost, Ohio has positioned itself as a primary alternative to traditional coastal business hubs.
“Ohio was named the top U.S. state for business in CNBC’s 2026 study.”
Ohio's ascent from 30th place in 2007 to the top spot in 2026 suggests a successful pivot toward industrial modernization and cost-competitive incentives. This shift indicates that companies are increasingly prioritizing reliable infrastructure and lower overhead costs over the traditional prestige or talent pools of coastal tech and finance hubs.
