News Summary
Texas has been ranked second in CNBC’s annual list of the best states to do business, following North Carolina. The state excelled in workforce development, job growth, and a favorable business climate, despite challenges in the quality of life category. With a booming economy and no corporate or personal income tax, Texas continues to attract businesses and investment, particularly in technology. However, it faces fierce competition to improve its quality of life offerings to remain a top choice for companies.
Texas Ranks Second in CNBC’s Business Rankings for 2025
Texas has been ranked as the second-best state for business in 2025 according to CNBC’s annual evaluation, maintaining its status as a favorable environment for companies despite North Carolina claiming the top spot. The rankings are based on a thorough analysis involving 135 metrics across ten categories, allowing states to score up to 2,500 points.
Strengths in Workforce and Economy
Texas has particularly excelled in the workforce category, achieving the highest score among all states. This commendable performance is attributed to an annual job growth rate surpassing 60,000 new jobs, alongside a business-friendly legal environment and various incentives aimed at attracting innovative enterprises.
In addition to its strong workforce, Texas also secured the second position in the economy and technology and innovation categories. Analysts noted the state’s resilience, especially considering the possibility of economic downturns, which reinforces Texas as a dependable choice for investors.
Investment Attraction through Tax Policies
Texas’s appeal to businesses is largely driven by its no corporate income tax and no personal income tax policies. These tax incentives have made the state a focal point for tech investments, drawing companies keen on tapping into the vast opportunities available in the Texas market. The state’s robust infrastructure, including major transportation hubs like the DFW Airport and strategic deep-water ports in Houston, further enhances connectivity to international markets.
Quality of Life Concerns
Despite its business-friendly attributes, Texas scored poorly in the “quality of life” category, where it ranked near the bottom. This category measures factors such as healthcare access, inclusiveness, and environmental conditions. High uninsured rates and moderate crime statistics have impacted the state’s overall standing, indicating areas that require attention and improvement.
Competitive Landscape
The competition for attracting businesses remains fierce, especially with North Carolina’s focus on economic diversification and resilient infrastructure setting a benchmark. This shift underscores a growing trend where corporations increasingly prioritize sustainable ecosystems over merely looking for cost-effective locations. To maintain its leading role, Texas faces the challenge of improving its quality of life metrics while continuing to promote economic growth.
Future Outlook for Texas
Despite facing competition and certain socio-economic challenges, Texas remains an influential player in the business sector. The state’s current unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, slightly above the national average. In particular, the Dallas-Fort Worth area plays a pivotal role, constituting about 30% of Texas’s workforce.
The latest rankings highlight that while Texas is a thriving business hub, ongoing adaptation and focus on quality of life are essential for future growth. With significant potential ahead, the Lone Star State aspires to reclaim its top position in national business rankings in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Dallas News: Texas Edged Out by North Carolina in CNBC’s Rankings
- Newsweek: Map Showing Best and Worst States for Business
- AInvest: North Carolina Overtakes Texas in Business Rankings
- Cleveland.com: Ohio Breaks into Top Five States for Business
- Florida Politics: CNBC Rankings – Florida Jumps 2 Spots
- Wikipedia: Business in the United States
- Google Search: Best States for Business
- Google Scholar: Business Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- Google News: Texas Business
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
