Texas Ranks No. 1 for Business Again

Texas retained its position as the top state for business climate for the fourth year in a row. Site Selection magazine released these results in its November 2026 issue. The ranking places the Lone Star State ahead of Georgia, North Carolina, California, and Virginia.

The publication uses a 16-point index to determine its standings. This metric combines surveys from corporate real estate executives and site selection consultants. It also analyzes business investment data and economic indicators such as taxes, infrastructure, and technology employment.

Gov. Greg Abbott responded to the news by citing the state's focus on infrastructure and workforce development. He also pointed to ongoing business expansion and job creation. Abbott stated that Texas leads the nation in economic opportunity.

Corporate decision-makers identified utility availability, cost, and reliability as key factors in their location choices. Workforce skills also ranked high on their list. Permitting procedures, property costs, and transportation infrastructure were additional considerations.

Texas has received the Governor’s Cup for the 14th consecutive time. This award recognizes the volume of qualifying business relocation and expansion projects. The state recorded more than 1,400 such projects in 2025. That figure was more than double the total recorded by second-place Illinois.

The state also earned Site Selection’s 2026 Prosperity Cup. This distinction relates specifically to business investment levels.