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RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – CNBC is out with its top states for business and North Carolina got here in second behind Ohio.

The Tar Heel State was primary final 12 months and missed a repeat win in 2026 by simply 9 factors.

The state has completed first or second in every of the previous six years.

CNBC did rank North Carolina primary within the financial system class this 12 months.

The report says job progress and financial progress have been robust. But that progress has helped push prices larger. North Carolina ranks thirty fifth for price of dwelling and poor employee protections and rising crime assist push the state to No. 34 for high quality of life.

Governor Stein stated, “North Carolina is growing and thriving, and remaining in the top two is just another reminder of all our state has to offer. Let’s keep building our success story by investing in people and lowering the cost of living so that we can build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous North Carolina.”

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