Latest News: Pennsylvania Ranks 13th in CNBC's Best States

North Carolina has taken the top spot in CNBC's Best States for Business ranking, according to the latest report. Pennsylvania ranked 13th in the list, while North Carolina's strong economy secured its position, with the state also ranking second overall in the rankings, as announced by CNBC.

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Latest News and the policy shift

Pennsylvania climbed to 13th in the rankings, while North Carolina, which according to CNBC has held a high ranking in previous years, took the second spot overall but claimed the top position in one key indicator: the economy. Ohio passed North Carolina to take the overall crown this year.

North Carolina's economy was a standout, with the state ranking No. 1, placing 2nd overall in CNBC's annual rankings, a category where it has consistently excelled, marking the seventh year in a row that North Carolina has ranked highly.

Why Latest News Matters Now

The rankings matter now because they provide insight into the business competitiveness of states across the US. A high ranking can attract businesses, talent, and investment, ultimately driving economic growth. Pennsylvania's 13th ranking may prompt state leaders to assess their business environment and consider improvements to climb higher in future rankings.

Illinois, for example, has seen an improvement in its ranking, climbing to 12th in CNBC's 2026 Top States for Business rankings, a list that according to CNBC, also considers states like Ohio, alongside others. This increase was driven by a third-place finish in infrastructure and gains in overall business competitiveness.

WRAL reports that NC has top economy, but drops to No, sharpening the picture of what changed.

In The New York Times's latest account, Delta, United and Other Airlines Are Offering Lower-Cost Business Class Options: What to Know, adding a clear signal for where this story is heading.

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Sources

• Pennsylvania named as 13th best state for business in CNBC's latest annual ranking
• NC has top economy, but drops to No. 2 overall on influential list of best states for business
• Illinois moves up in latest CNBC business rankings