North Carolina is 1st in Top States for Business in 2025
In CNBC’s 2025 ranking of America’s Top States for Business, North Carolina claims the top spot, scoring 1,614 out of 2,500 points. The annual study evaluates all 50 states using 135 metrics across 10 categories, such as Economy, Workforce, and Infrastructure. These categories are weighted based on how often states emphasize them in economic development efforts. New for 2025, the study includes metrics addressing trade war risks, shrinking federal budgets, and updated infrastructure demands for power and data. North Carolina performed especially well in key categories like Economy (ranked 3rd), Workforce (4th), Business Friendliness (4th), and Education (6th), receiving grades of A- or higher in these areas. However, it ranked lower in categories like Quality of Life (29th) and Cost of Living (23rd). The state’s strong economic fundamentals include low tax rates (2.5% corporate and 4.25% individual), a low unemployment rate of 3.7%, and a stable AAA credit rating. Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, leads the state, which has a population of over 11 million. North Carolina’s balanced performance across multiple key business metrics helped it rise from 2nd place in 2024 to 1st in 2025, cementing its reputation as a top destination for business investment.
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North Carolina is 1st in Top States for Business in 2025
In CNBC’s 2025 ranking of America’s Top States for Business, North Carolina claims the top spot, scoring 1,614 out of 2,500 points. The annual study evaluates all 50 states using 135 metrics across 10 categories, such as Economy, Workforce, and Infrastructure. These categories are weighted based on how often states emphasize them in economic development […]
ILM Ranked #1 in Growth Over Three Year Period Across Major U.S. Airports
Over the past three years, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) has experienced the fastest growth of any major U.S. airport, with a 66% increase in seat capacity from July 2022 to June 2025. This surge reflects significant airline investment in the Wilmington, NC market. New carriers such as Sun Country, Breeze, JetBlue, and Avelo have joined […]
Southern Living: Wilmington in South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024
Why Consider Relocation to Wilmington, NC? The U.S. Census reveals the South as a prime region for growth, accounting for 87% of the nation’s population increase in 2023. Even during the pandemic, the South was the only region to sustain population growth. The Appeal of Wilmington Relocation to NC’s Career Coast exemplifies this trend. Nestled […]
Wilmington, NC Named One of the South’s Top Tech Metros in 2024
Wilmington, N.C., has emerged as a rising tech hub, landing at No. 13 on the South’s Best Metros for Tech 2024. As tech companies increasingly look beyond major markets, Southern cities like Wilmington are drawing attention for their affordability, talent, and quality of life. Among smaller metros, Wilmington stands out with a 106.5% surge in […]