Michigan has achieved a No. 6 ranking in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business for 2026, marking a significant improvement from its No. 24 position in 2019 under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration. This is the fifth time the state has earned a Top 10 ranking during her leadership, surpassing competitor states like Florida, Georgia, and Indiana.
"Michigan is a place where everyone can succeed," said Governor Whitmer. She attributed the state's success to efforts in job creation, bringing advanced manufacturing home, preparing the workforce, and lowering costs, adding that this recognition signifies Michigan is "on the move."
CNBC evaluates all 50 states on 138 metrics across 10 categories to determine business competitiveness, reflecting factors companies consider for site selection and states' economic development focus. Michigan also maintained its No. 4 status for Cost of Doing Business, a category that assesses factors like business expenses, tax climate, wage and utility costs, and incentives.
Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), expressed gratitude for the recognition of "Team Michigan’s strategic execution of investing in People, Places, and Projects." He emphasized the reliability and knowledge of Michigan's businesses and workforce.
Hilary Doe, President & CEO of MoveDetroit, highlighted Michigan's consistent population growth and affordability, noting that "more people are choosing Detroit and our great state for its quality of life." Ron Hinrichs, CEO of the Southern Wayne Regional Chamber, credited "effective, bipartisan leadership" for the state's ranking, stressing the need for continued investment in talent attraction, childcare, housing, and economic development tools.
Stacy Ziarko, President & CEO of Connect Macomb, saw the ranking as a "powerful validation of the work happening across our state to foster economic growth and business success," while Jeremy Garza of the Michigan Pipe Trades Association and Brent Pilarski of the Michigan Laborers District Council both emphasized the crucial role of a skilled workforce and infrastructure in the state's economic achievements. Douglas W. Stockwell, Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager, echoed this, stating that "businesses succeed where infrastructure is strong and reliable."
Governor Whitmer's administration continues to focus on growing Michigan’s economy by attracting supply chains for cars, chips, and clean energy. The state has seen population growth for the first time since the 1990s, ranked No. 1 for fastest foreign direct investment job growth, and is among the top states for workforce development and small business growth.