CNBC released its 2026 Top States for Business rankings today, and North Carolina is once again among the most competitive states in the country.

This year, North Carolina ranked #2 overall after holding the #1 spot last year. That means our state has now ranked in the top two for five straight years — a remarkable run and one worth celebrating.

But let’s be honest. We want the top spot.

The good news is that North Carolina is not just hanging around the top of the rankings. We are leading in some of the categories that matter most to long-term competitiveness. CNBC ranked North Carolina #1 for economy and #3 for workforce, two areas that speak directly to why companies continue to invest, expand, and create jobs here.

Those rankings reflect real strengths: a growing economy, a strong talent pipeline, a competitive tax climate, world-class higher education institutions, and a business community that keeps pushing North Carolina forward.

They also reflect years of policy choices that have made our state a place where business can grow. That does not happen by accident, and it will not continue without focus.

Other states are competing hard for jobs, investment, talent, data infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy capacity, and the next generation of economic growth. North Carolina has the momentum, but staying at the top requires discipline on the issues that matter.

For the NC Chamber, the work is clear. Protecting North Carolina’s competitive edge means staying focused on workforce, infrastructure, energy, taxes, permitting, legal climate, and quality of life.

So yes, #2 is strong. Top two for five years running is stronger.

We congratulate Ohio. And then we get back to work.

Because the goal is clear. North Carolina belongs at #1.

 

Editor’s note: The NC Chamber will share further analysis in the coming days on North Carolina’s category rankings and what they mean for our state’s competitiveness.