Georgia just missed taking the No. 1 spot in an annual “top states for business” ranking by financial network CNBC.

The state came in 2nd behind Washington, where technology and innovation, high quality of life and a strong workforce helped offset a higher cost of living and middling infrastructure.

The CNBC ranking compiles scores in 10 weighted categories that affect business performance and appeal.

Georgia’s strengths included a strong and diverse economy (1st among states) workforce quality (3rd), infrastructure (4th) and access to capital (9th).

Its weakest showings were in technology and innovation (23rd), cost of doing business (26th), quality of life (28th) and education (33rd).

Here are the top 10…

1. Washington

2. Georgia

3. Minnesota

4. Texas

5. North Carolina

6. Colorado

7. Virginia

8. Utah

9. Tennessee 

10. Massachusetts

…and the bottom 5

46. Maine

47. Alaska

48. Mississippi

49. Hawaii

50. West Virginia

Source: CNBC

About the Author

Keep Reading

Trains line the tracks during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern has become a prominent corporate citizen in the metro region, donating millions to charitable causes. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images