WASHINGTON — Virginia had a much better showing on CNBC’s annual ranking of America’s Top States for Business lists, coming in at No. 7 this year, up six slots from last year.
Even so, there was a time not so many years ago that Virginia consistently ranked at or near the top of the rankings.
CNBC considers a number of factors when ranking which states are the most friendly to business. Virginia scored No. 2 among 50 states for access to a highly-skilled workforce, and came in No. 7 for business friendliness.
Virginia also ranks fairly high for education and access to capital. But the commonwealth scores poorly for the cost of doing business, coming in at No. 35, and the cost of living, ranking at No. 28.
Virginia consistently ranked first or second when CNBC started publishing its annual list in 2007, but began sliding down the rankings in 2012.
Maryland ranked No. 25 this year, with its worst scores for the cost of doing business, infrastructure, and cost of living — all ranking near the bottom of the list. Maryland’s best marks are for technology and innovation and the economy.
Washington, Georgia and Minnesota were the top three state’s on CNBC’s 2017.
See the full list here.
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