Ohio has landed in the top five of CNBC’s 2025 “America’s Top States for Business” rankings, coming in at #5 overall—up two spots from last year.
This marks Ohio’s highest ranking since the index launched in 2007.
The report says Ohio is strong in infrastructure, affordability, and innovation— a rising powerhouse for business growth.
Among the states CNBC ranked as the Top 5 States for Business overall, Ohio has the best infrastructure, the lowest cost of doing business, and the lowest cost of living.
Though the fundamentals of the study remain unchanged, CNBC weighted Economy (17.8%) and Infrastructure (16.2%) more heavily than any other factors this year.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose says the recognition is thanks to years of work.
“This ranking not only proves we’re open for business in Ohio but also that we’re doing it right,” said LaRose. “Our office is where every new business starts, and we’ve made that process more efficient, more affordable, and more accessible than ever.”
So far in 2025, Ohio has recorded nearly 100,000 new business filings, including close to 16,000 in May alone, marking one of the strongest starts to a year in state history.
Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers also said Ohio now ranks #1 in Infrastructure, up from 13th in 2024.
This category received more weight in CNBC’s scoring this year due to growing power and data needs in business development.
“While these rankings aren’t a surprise, they are a strong signal that we’re on the right path,” said Stivers. “Ohio has a low cost of living, a high quality of life, and the seventh-largest GDP in the country. It’s encouraging to see others take notice of what we’ve known all along.”
“From construction-ready sites and reliable energy to the ingenuity and hard work of our people, Ohio provides companies with unmatched confidence in our investment environment when they are looking to grow,” said Governor DeWine. “As we keep taxes low, cut red tape, and invest in the nation’s top infrastructure, it’s no surprise that Ohio outranks most of the country as a top state for business.”
“Companies need talent, and talent needs affordability,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Tressel. “By reducing the cost of business and keeping the cost of living low, Ohio is showing the nation how to grow an economy that works for everyone.”
Ohio ranked in the 20s for categories like Business Friendliness, Economy, and Education, and came in at #31 for Workforce.
New business filings in Ohio cost just $99—lower than neighboring states—and are typically processed within 24 hours.
LaRose’s office has also expanded the Ohio Business Resource Connection, giving entrepreneurs access to public and private support systems, and has prioritized certification reform for minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses.
The Ohio Chamber is distributing a new set of monthly data charts tracking key economic metrics, along with a newly published book featuring 40 different indicators shared with state policymakers.
This effort is part of the Chamber’s three-year strategic plan, which identified a top-five CNBC ranking as a major goal.
Locally in Logan County, Ben Volrath, the head of Economic Development, says that Logan County has seen the following expansions:
- In 2025, NX Automotive Logistics saw a $23M 180,000 square foot expansion, adding 70 jobs
- Transportation Research Center
- 2024 saw a $25M groundbreaking on the crash lab
- IEG Plastics completed an 18,000 square foot expansion in 2024
- 2 Cobblestone Hotels opened, Indian Lake in December 2024, and Bellefontaine in June 2025 ($20M+ investment)
- 2022-2025 Honda, $700M investment to retool for Electric Vehicles (Marysville, East Liberty, and Anna plants)
Find out more about development in Logan County HERE.
With this latest ranking, Ohio is showing that it’s not just open for business—it’s building one of the best environments in the country for it.
