Ohio surged to 5th place in CNBC’s 2025 “America’s Top States for Business,” climbing from 7th in 2024—its best showing since the rankings began in 2007. The state clinched the No. 1 spot for infrastructure and ranked No. 2 for cost of doing business and No. 7 for cost of living.
Strong infrastructure—powered by Ohio’s extensive highway, rail, and warehousing networks—combined with a business-friendly tax environment (no corporate income tax and an expanded commercial activity tax exclusion) helped fuel the rise.
The state also improved in technology and innovation (now No. 6), benefited from an AAA credit rating, and boasts the nation’s third-largest manufacturing workforce.
Governor Mike DeWine lauded Ohio’s low taxes, reduced regulatory red tape, and strategic investments, while JobsOhio cemented its reputation by winning major projects, including launches by Anduril, Kimberly‑Clark, Amgen, and Meta—adding billions in capital investment and thousands of jobs.
The state’s rise reflects a fast‑growing economic hub anchored by infrastructure, affordability, and business momentum. 7/11/2025