Texas has secured the fourth position in CNBC's 2026 America's Top States for Business report, which was made public on July 9. This marks a decline from its previous second-place ranking held last year.
Ohio has achieved the top spot for the first time, followed by North Carolina in second place, with Virginia taking third. Minnesota rounds out the top five, just behind Texas.
The state continues to showcase a strong business environment, ranking first nationally for Workforce and second for both Economy and Access to Capital. Texas's extensive logistics capabilities, including major ports, international airports, rail systems, and a robust highway network, contribute to its status as a key trade and shipping hub.
Additionally, a favorable tax system and consistent corporate investments have helped maintain Texas's high ranking over the years.
However, CNBC notes that Texas's livability scores hinder its overall ranking, placing it at No. 49 for Quality of Life due to challenges such as high crime rates, inadequate healthcare, and issues with inclusiveness. These factors negatively impact Texas's economic strengths in the overall scoring.
Despite the drop from second to fourth place, Texas has shown significant progress, moving from sixth in 2023 to second in 2025. The Dallas Regional Chamber reported 119 corporate relocations or expansions in North Texas in 2025, the highest in any U.S. metropolitan area, highlighting ongoing growth in the region, including Richardson, where business investment and a skilled workforce are evident.