Michigan Ranked #6 in Best States for Doing Business

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated Michigan’s No. 6 ranking from CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business, earning a Top 10 ranking for a fifth time under Governor Whitmer’s leadership and representing a massive leap from No. 24 at the start of her administration in 2019.  

“Michigan is a place where everyone can succeed,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make this ranking possible, such as creating jobs, bringing advanced manufacturing home, preparing our workforce, and lowering costs. This national recognition is a sign that Michigan is on the move, and when people do business here, they win big. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves and getting things done for every Michigander.” 

This year’s ranking has Michigan at No. 6 in the nation, despite challenging market conditions and significant policy shifts that continue to press businesses of all sizes to evaluate their supply chain, site selection, and overall investments, both in scope and industry. For 2026, Michigan outworked competitor states such as Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, and more.  

CNBC has been ranking states’ business competitiveness for 20 years. To do so, it scores all 50 states on 138 metrics in 10 broad categories of competitiveness that reflect the top factors for how companies make site selections for investment and where states are focusing their economic development efforts to win jobs and business.  

“I’m grateful Team Michigan’s strategic execution of investing in People, Places, and Projects has been recognized by such an influential ranking as CNBC, who continues to broadcast to the world what we know (and often take for granted): Michigan’s businesses and workforce are reliable, knowledgeable, and deliver results across the global economy,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “Work remains, and we are committed more than ever to continuously improving to ensure Michigan’s employers, employees and entrepreneurs feel their vote of confidence is well-placed.” 

Michigan first landed at No. 6 in 2025 – the highest the state has ranked since the list was launched. The 2026 list includes: 

1. Ohio 
2. North Carolina 
3. Virginia 
4. Texas 
5. Minnesota 
6. Michigan
7. Georgia 
8. Florida 
9. Tennessee  
10. Indiana 

Michigan maintained its No. 4 status for Cost of Doing Business, which measures each state’s ability to ease business expenses and the strength of its business tax climate, wage and utility costs, the cost of office and industrial space, property-casualty insurance, and forecasted premium increases. The category also considers incentives and tax breaks that reduce business costs, as well as targeted incentives for development in disadvantaged communities. 

“It’s great to see Michigan continue to rank among the top states in the nation for folks to start, scale, and operate their businesses. To date, Michigan—and Detroit—have achieved three years of consistent population growth that continues to strengthen our economy and expand our hard-working talent pool," said Hilary Doe, President & CEO of MoveDetroit. "More people are choosing Detroit and our great state for its quality of life, affordability relative to our peers, and real areas of fast-growing economic opportunity. So while continued investment is needed to keep us on this course, our areas of success aren’t happy accidents. We live in one of the few places in the nation where you can both invent and build the future. And together, we’re capable of delivering real growth and shared prosperity for all Michiganders.” 

“Michigan's recent top 10 ranking as one of the best states for business is the result of effective, bipartisan leadership that is focused on creating meaningful solutions for the issues most important to Michigan's employers, workforce, and residents,” said Ron Hinrichs, CEO of the Southern Wayne Regional Chamber. “As we look forward, it must remain a top priority to empower workers and employers with impactful resources in matters like attracting and retaining talent, affordability in high quality child care and housing, economic development tools to attract high paying jobs to local municipalities, reliable public transportation options, and government policies that create opportunity for businesses to thrive in a competitive environment while also holding bad actors accountable. Together, and in a bipartisan way, we are able to further create lasting solutions that will continue to enhance economic growth and the quality of life for all of Michigan's residents.” 

“Michigan earning its highest-ever ranking at No. 6 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business is a powerful validation of the work happening across our state to foster economic growth and business success,” said Stacy Ziarko, President & CEO of Connect Macomb. “At Connect Macomb, we see that momentum every day as businesses choose to invest, expand, and innovate in our region. This recognition reflects the strength of Michigan’s workforce, our collaborative business climate, and the partnerships that are helping communities like Macomb County compete on a national stage. We’re proud to play a role in creating opportunities that strengthen our economy and position Michigan for continued success.” 

“Michigan being recognized as one of the best states in the nation for business is a testament to the hardworking men and women who build, maintain, and power our communities every day,” said Jeremy Garza, State Political Lead, Michigan Pipe Trades Association. “That success is driven by a skilled workforce, responsible employers, and strong partnerships. The Michigan Pipe Trades are proud to invest in the next generation through U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs that provide world class training, family sustaining careers, and the highly skilled workforce Michigan employers depend on. When we invest in skilled trades, we invest in Michigan’s future.” 

"Being named one of the best states for business starts with having the best workforce,” said Brent Pilarski, Business Manager, Michigan Laborers District Council. “Michigan Laborers are building the infrastructure that attracts investment, creates opportunity, and keeps our economy moving forward. Our members take great pride in helping make Michigan a place where businesses can thrive and families can build a better future. We thank Governor Whitmer for her leadership and commitment to investing in our workforce and infrastructure, and we look forward to continuing to build a stronger Michigan together.” 

“Michigan's ranking as one of the best states to do business reflects the investments being made where they matter most—in our infrastructure and in our workforce,” said Douglas W. Stockwell, Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager. “Businesses succeed where infrastructure is strong and reliable, and this recognition is a testament to the progress Michigan has made modernizing ours. Governor Whitmer's commitment to rebuilding our roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure has translated into millions of hours of work for skilled Operating Engineers and workers across the state. Our members are proud to build the projects that keep Michigan running, because when we invest in infrastructure, we're investing in ourselves through good-paying union careers, safer communities, and a stronger economy for everyone." 

Growing the Economy & Creating Good Paying Jobs 

Governor Whitmer is focused on growing Michigan’s economy, bringing home supply chains of cars, chips, and clean energy and ensuring every community can thrive. 

• Grew Michigan’s population with more people moving into Michigan from other states than out for the first time since the 1990s.  
• Ranked #1 for fastest foreign direct investment job growth over past 5 years. Ranked top 5 in country for workforce, opportunity.  
• Ushered in fastest small business growth in 23 years and a 24% increase in revenue, making Michigan one of the Top 10 states for business.  
• Michigan named a top 5 state for workforce development by Site Selection. 
• Among the Top 15 Opportunity-Rich states, according to Business Facilities 
• Maintaining the No. 1 in the nation for the auto industry, and rising to Top 3 for manufacturing and semiconductor jobs, in Business Facilities’ annual rankings
• Established the Michigan Innovation Fund and R&D tax credit, lowering costs for businesses, supporting investors and research, and creating good-paying jobs. 
• Signed an executive directive to increase state procurement and contractswith small and geographically disadvantaged businesses. 

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.