Ohio is America’s Top State for Business in 2026, capping yearslong rise with first No. 1 finish
Ohio scored 1,623 points to take CNBC’s top spot as companies favored its infrastructure, low costs and 143 million-person market access.
- Ohio ranks as America's Top State for Business in 2026, capturing the crown in the annual CNBC study after finishing first or second for the past six years.
- Infrastructure serves as the state's most significant competitive advantage, with more than 143 million people living within a day's drive of Ohio, affording superior market access.
- Large-Scale investments include a $4.2 billion data center facility in Pike County developed by SoftBank and AEP, joining 224 existing data centers already operating statewide.
- Despite progress, only about 19% of Ohio adults hold a bachelor's degree; JobsOhio announced a $300 million investment over 10 years to recruit and train skilled workers.
- Grassroots opposition is growing against large development projects, as an organization claims to have gathered 100,000 signatures seeking a constitutional ban on future construction in Ohio.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Ohio named America’s Top State for business by CNBC - Peak of Ohio
Ohio has been named America’s Top State for Business in 2026 by CNBC, marking the first time the state has earned the network’s top ranking. Governor Mike DeWine joined CNBC’s Scott Cohn in Columbus Thursday morning as the announcement was made. According to CNBC, Ohio […]
Ohio Named America's Top State For Business in 2026
Ohio has been named America's Top State for Business in 2026, earning the top position in CNBC's annual rankings after consistently finishing among the top two states over the past six years. 💡According to the report, the state's extensive infrastructure and central location were major factors in securing the top ranking, with more than 143 million people living within a day's drive of Ohio.The report said Ohio continues to attract major invest…
Thinking About Moving? CNBC Reveals The Top 5 States for Business in 2026
CNBC correspondent Scott Cohn returned to the airwaves on July 9, 2026, to unveil the runners-up in America’s Top States for Business, a franchise now marking its 20th year. After a decade of Sun Belt dominance and coastal contenders, the crown moved to the industrial Midwest, with Ohio being the No. 1 state for business ... Thinking About Moving? CNBC Reveals The Top 5 States for Business in 2026
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