CNBC has ranked all 50 state economies for 2026 based on 138 metrics, offering a nuanced view that shows larger states like California and Texas may not dominate when considering overall economic strength. The ranking was part of CNBC's annual "America's Top States for Business" study, which evaluated states on various factors including economic growth, job creation, fiscal health, and foreign investment.

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For the study, the economy category accounted for 16.6% of each state’s total score, following infrastructure at 17.6%. Factors in the economy ranking included GDP and job growth, credit ratings, housing market health, foreign investment, and business creation. This diverse methodology distinguished states beyond mere GDP size.

Ohio, which ranked first overall for business, came in ninth in economic strength with a score of 275 out of 415 points. Its real GDP was $734.4 billion in 2025, showing modest growth of 1.7%. The state benefits from several major corporations, including Procter & Gamble and GE Aerospace. However, its housing market growth was limited compared to other faster-growing states.

Here is the list of the top 10 states based on economic strength:

10. **Wisconsin** - Scoring 258 points, Wisconsin's real GDP stood at $359.6 billion, reflecting a 1.5% growth in 2025. The state has shown a significant increase in new small businesses, with a 20.2% rise since 2020.

9. **Ohio** - With a GDP of $734.4 billion, Ohio’s growth of 1.7% earned it a ninth-place ranking. It attracted $7.8 billion in foreign investment in 2024.

8. **Minnesota** - Scoring 278 points, Minnesota's $405.8 billion economy grew by 1.6%. The state maintains a robust financial foundation and shows strong survival rates for small businesses.

7. **Delaware** - Delaware's economy scored 284 points with a GDP of $87.3 billion, growing 2.3%. It ranks low in federal budget dependence, making it more insulated from potential federal spending cuts.

6. **South Carolina** - Real GDP rose by 3.1% to $286.8 billion, propelled by significant job growth and an influx of college-educated workers, earning the state 286 points.

5. **Washington** - With a score of 287 points, Washington's GDP reached $717.5 billion, growing by 2.2%. However, the state faces challenges, such as lower fund balances than other states.

4. **New York** - New York claimed fourth place with a GDP of $1.89 trillion, growing by 2.9% in 2025. The state excels in financial markets but struggles with high housing costs and outmigration of educated workers.

3. **California** - California's economy scored 295 points with a GDP of $3.38 trillion and 2.1% growth. Despite its strong tech sector and recent foreign investments, it has the nation’s highest unemployment rate at 5.3%.

2. **Texas** - Texas scored 302 points with a GDP of $2.27 trillion, growing by 2.5%. It attracts significant foreign investment but faces challenges like rising foreclosures.

1. **North Carolina** - Topping the list with 317 points, North Carolina's economy grew 2.7%, reaching a GDP of $682.4 billion. The state experienced a net migration of about 84,000 residents, though it has high federal dependence.

Despite the massive size of economies like California and Texas, the rankings reflect more balanced economic resilience among smaller states. The study illustrates that economic strength includes factors such as growth rates, business sustainability, and fiscal health, rather than just GDP size.