Over the past decade, North Carolina has transformed from a regional industrial hub into a major economic force—not just in the Southeastern United States, but across the entire country. CNBC’s prestigious ranking, published in July 2025, named it America’s Top State for Business for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting how strategic consistency, smart infrastructure, and pro-business policies can drive a genuine economic revolution. The state ranked first among all 50 states, based on 128 metrics across diverse areas such as technology, workforce quality, business mobility, financial incentives, regulatory climate, and quality of life. This accomplishment marks a shift from reliance on traditional industries to fostering future-ready, globally connected sectors.

A Competitive Corporate Tax and Bold Fiscal Forecasting

One of the pillars of North Carolina’s economic success is its tax policy—most notably, its corporate income tax rate of just 2.5% as of 2025. A state law mandates a gradual reduction to 0% by 2030. This extraordinary measure positions the state as a global magnet for companies seeking to reduce their fixed operational costs. Beyond the numbers, the low tax rate is complemented by streamlined regulations, expedited business licensing procedures, and transparent governance—together forming a business environment that supports efficient setup, growth, and day-to-day operations for both local and global enterprises.

A Workforce System Built on Smart Human Capital Investment

North Carolina ranks first nationwide in workforce quality, a result of sustained and targeted investments in human capital. The state operates 58 community colleges offering hands-on industrial and technological training to thousands of graduates annually. These institutions collaborate with leading research universities like UNC, NC State, and Duke, creating a robust and purposeful educational foundation. The “Employer-Aligned Degree” model, adopted in recent years, allows students to transition rapidly from classroom to workforce, effectively narrowing the supply-demand gap—a challenge that plagues many U.S. and European states alike.

Charlotte as a Banking Hub, Raleigh as a Research Powerhouse

North Carolina’s flagship cities, Charlotte and Raleigh, have emerged as financial and technological anchors. Charlotte—now dubbed “America’s Second Financial Capital”—hosts regional headquarters for giants such as Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. Just this year, the city announced over 700 new jobs from investment and banking firms, incentivized by a $8.9 million package from the state.

Meanwhile, Raleigh has become a hotspot for innovation in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and smart energy solutions. A major engine behind this development is Research Triangle Park, a sprawling 2,200-acre complex that is now the largest biotech research facility outside of Cambridge, UK.

Global-Scale Green Projects and a Clear Environmental Policy Agenda

One of the state’s flagship initiatives is Toyota’s $13.9 billion investment in an EV battery plant near Greensboro, projected to create around 5,000 jobs in the long term. This strategic project supports both the U.S. renewable energy vision and the accelerating global market for green vehicles. The state, in turn, has committed to building supportive infrastructure—from distribution grids to funding public EV charging stations.

In parallel, the government has mandated that all new public buildings meet LEED Platinum standards, while encouraging the private sector to follow suit through generous tax incentives. The combination of financial incentives and environmental standards positions North Carolina not only as an efficient state for doing business but also as a destination with ethical and environmental value.

Investment and Employment Figures That Speak for Themselves

Since 2017, North Carolina has reported $53.45 billion in direct business investments, resulting in 115,300 new jobs—an average of nearly 16,000 jobs per year, a pace three times faster than the national average. Industries such as advanced manufacturing, medical software, AI solutions, and applied biology labs are fueling broad-based growth. Meanwhile, the fintech sector is positioning the state as a compelling alternative to the traditional financial centers of New York and San Francisco.

Social Challenges, Reform Efforts, and a Human-Centered Approach

Despite its impressive achievements, North Carolina faces social challenges. According to the ranking, the state scored lower in areas like healthcare access, early childhood education quality, and social inclusion of diverse communities. In response, state authorities announced that 26% of the 2024–2026 budget will be allocated to directly address these gaps—including expansion of healthcare infrastructure, creation of pre-K educational facilities, and establishment of regional social equity forums. The core philosophy: a free-market economy can support growth—but only when paired with equal opportunity and effective public services.

Conclusion: A Test Case for a Balanced, Sustainable Economy

North Carolina didn’t rise to economic prominence by chance. It is the result of planning, strategy, and commitment. CNBC’s annual ranking is not just an honor—it’s evidence of consistent governmental action that translates into tangible growth. The “Carolina Model”—which combines low taxes, high-quality human capital, smart environmental policy, and effective public-private collaboration—may serve as a roadmap for other states and regions worldwide.