Pennsylvania ranks 13th among the best states in the country for doing business, according to CNBC’s annual comparison of all 50 states.
The state rose four places from 17th last year in the 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings.
Pennsylvania earned its highest marks for technology and innovation, ranking 5th nationally, followed by "access to capital" in 7th, and infrastructure and cost of living, both 11th.
The state struggled most in business friendliness, where it ranked 42nd. It also placed 39th for workforce. All other categories were in the top 21.
Pennsylvania's finish reflects a mix of competitive advantages and persistent challenges for companies considering whether to locate or expand in the state.
Pennsylvania's 2026 Rankings
CNBC scored the states on 138 measurements across 10 categories. Here’s where Pennsylvania ranked by category:
The rankings do not measure only taxes or regulations, and they are not specifically a ranking of the best states for starting a small business. A state can perform well overall while carrying high business or living costs or rank poorly in quality of life while remaining attractive because of its workforce, economy or infrastructure.
The rankings are intended to reflect factors companies consider when deciding where to locate or expand. Each category is weighted according to how often states emphasize it in their own economic-development pitches.
Infrastructure carried the most weight this year as companies placed greater emphasis on transportation connections, dependable utilities, water supplies and the energy needed for advanced manufacturing and data centers. CNBC also considered the ease of obtaining permits for the first time.
The economy, which was the most heavily weighted category in 2025, moved to second place, followed by workforce.
States could receive a maximum of 2,500 points.
Ohio finished first overall with 1,623 points, followed by North Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Minnesota. Ohio’s No. 1 finish was the state’s first in the 20-year history of the CNBC rankings.
North Carolina, the 2025 winner, finished nine points behind Ohio with 1,614 points.
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