CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When it comes the best states, U.S. News & World Report ranked North Carolina highly.
The recently released Best States rankings put North Carolina in the No. 7 spot for the best economy in the country and No. 5 for best growth in the United States. The ranking evaluated all 50 states using a number of categories, including crime and corrections, infrastructure, public safety, education, health care, infrastructure, opportunity, natural environment and fiscal stability. The publican used thousands of data points dozens of metrics to come up with its rankings.
In 2024, North Carolina came in at the No. 19 spot, but this recent ranking had it jump six spots to No. 13 overall.
“We have long known that North Carolina is a top state to live, work, and raise a family,” North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said. “I am proud of our state’s work to grow our economy and make it work for more people. But we cannot rest on our laurels. We must invest in public education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development to ensure our state’s competitive status for years to come.”
The report broke down the reasonings behind North Carolina’s ranking.
“The state’s economy is now focused on industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals and technology,” the report reads. “Charlotte has grown to become the second-largest banking center in the nation, and Research Triangle Park near the state capital of Raleigh is home to more than 200 companies.”
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The top fix spots went to Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho, Minnesota and Nebraska respectively. Neighboring South Carolina ranked No. 40, nearby Virginia was No. 16 with Georgia coming in at the No. 21 spot. The highest ranked state in the southeast was Florida at No. 6.
A full list of the states’ rankings can be found online.
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