First ever top ranking thanks for low costs and strong infrastructure. 

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for businessAs a place to do business, Ohio is No. 1, CNBC has declared.

As a place to do business, Ohio is No. 1, CNBC has declared.

CNBC announced that Ohio is America’s “top state for business” in 2026 on Thursday, July 9.

The network said it liked Ohio’s “low business costs, strong infrastructure, broad market access, abundant electrical power, and robust inventory of shovel-ready sites,” an announcement from Gov. Mike DeWine said.

The CNBC rankings also highlighted Ohio’s housing costs.

“This number one ranking proves that Ohio is the best place in America for business and all that comes along with it, including jobs, quality of life, and opportunities for everyone to live up to their God-given potential,” DeWine said in a statement.

This is the first time that Ohio has held the top spot.

In 2010, CNBC ranked Ohio No. 34 for its overall economic strategy and success, DeWine’s office observed, but since then, Ohio rose in the ranks, placing 15th in 2022, 12th in 2023, 7th in 2024, 5th in 2025, and 1st in 2026.

“Ohio’s first place ranking is more than just a ranking. A strong business climate translates directly to companies investing in Ohio, creating an economic ripple that impacts everyone in the state,” said Jeff Hoagland, president and chief executive of the Dayton Development Coalition.

“This top state recognition belongs to team Ohio,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Ohio succeeds because the state government, JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the JobsOhio Network Partners, regional economic development organizations, higher education, employers, workforce partners, Ohio business advocates, and local communities all work toward the same goal. That alignment is one of Ohio’s greatest competitive advantages.”

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Photo Credit: CNBC announced that Ohio is America’s “top state for business” in 2026 on Thursday, July 9. CONTRIBUTED tom.gnau / CONTRIBUTED

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for business

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for business

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for business

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for business

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for business

Ranking shows Ohio No. 1 state for business