News Summary
Alabama has improved its position to No. 19 in CNBC’s ‘America’s Top States for Business’ ranking, achieving 1,337 points out of 2,500. The state excelled in cost of living, ranking 6th, and business friendliness at 13th. However, it faced challenges in quality of life and access to capital, where it ranked 44th and 40th, respectively. Improvements in workforce ranking were noted, moving from 24th to 16th. The state’s ongoing commitment to education and workforce development is evident in these changes.
Alabama Climbs to No. 19 in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” Ranking
Alabama has risen to No. 19 in CNBC’s latest “America’s Top States for Business” ranking, improving one spot from its position in 2024. The ranking evaluates states based on an extensive analysis of 135 metrics across 10 categories, and this year, Alabama scored a total of 1,337 points out of a possible 2,500 points.
The state performed particularly well in the area of cost of living, securing a commendable 6th place. Additionally, Alabama’s business friendliness rated at No. 13, indicating a positive environment for businesses in the region. However, the state faced challenges in other areas, particularly quality of life, where it was ranked No. 44, and access to capital, which fell to No. 40.
Notably, Alabama saw an improvement in its workforce ranking, climbing from No. 24 in 2024 to No. 16 this year. Despite these gains, the most significant decline was in access to capital, where Alabama dropped dramatically from No. 29 to No. 40.
Governor’s Commitment and State Strategy
The advancements in Alabama’s ranking align with the long-term strategy initiated by the state government, emphasizing the importance of education and workforce development. Since taking office in 2017, the state administration has prioritized creating a business-friendly climate that supports both existing industries and attracts new businesses.
This year marks a contrast to last year when Alabama was celebrated as the “most improved” state in the CNBC rankings. The ongoing focus on improving business conditions and attracting investments reflects a sustained commitment by state leaders to enhance the overall economic landscape.
Comparison with Other States
In the broader context of the rankings, Alabama is surrounded by a mix of states known for their business attractiveness. The top 10 states listed in the rankings include North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, and Minnesota. Each of these states reflects varied strategies and strengths that appeal to businesses across different sectors.
Key Areas for Improvement
Outlook for the Future
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AL Daily News
- Made in Alabama
- Tuscaloosa News
- AL.com
- Area Development
- Wikipedia: Alabama
- Google Search: Alabama business
- Google Scholar: Alabama economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- Google News: Alabama business rankings
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson 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 the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
