News Summary
Georgia has achieved recognition as the 7th best state for business according to CNBC’s latest rankings. Despite its low quality of life rating, the state’s strengths in infrastructure and workforce contribute to its high score. Atlanta emerges as a prime location for career starters, with a growing small business sector and significant venture capital investments. As Georgia’s business environment flourishes, there’s a contrast with its challenges in livability, emphasizing the need for balanced progress in both areas.
Atlanta, Georgia – In 2025, Georgia has secured its position as the 7th best state for business, according to a recent ranking by CNBC. This places Georgia among the top 10 states for business, a significant achievement despite the state’s low quality of life score, which received an “F”. North Carolina has taken the top spot, marking it as the best state for business in the upcoming year.
Georgia’s impressive ranking is largely attributed to its strengths in infrastructure and workforce metrics. Additionally, the state is recognized for its proactive efforts to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Complementing this ranking, Georgia also ranks 9th among the top states for successfully starting a business, according to a study by Swoop Funding. The total startup score for Georgia stands at 51.27, calculated from various factors such as the availability of coworking spaces and venture capital (VC) investments.
In terms of specific statistics, Georgia boasts 215 coworking spaces and a population of 11.0 million. The current unemployment rate in the state is 3.6%, while the cost of living index sits at 90.8. The sales tax rate is recorded at 7.38%, with an income tax-free allowance of $12,000. Furthermore, Georgia has achieved $1.6 billion in VC investments, which significantly contributes to its business ecosystem. The business survival rate in Georgia is noted at 49.2%, with approximately 19,233 entrepreneurs operating within the state. The average hourly wage stands at $31.58, and businesses can expect annual health insurance costs of $6,121. Office rent is priced at $26.94 per square foot per year.
While Georgia shines in business rankings, it is important to note the challenges faced within the state’s quality of life. Despite the recognition of Atlanta as a favorable location, it received a low score in terms of overall livability. Atlanta emerges as the best city for starting a career, with a median household income around $89,565, which is above the national average. The city ranks first for professional opportunities and fifth for quality of life among cities well-suited for career starters. Atlanta’s affordability makes it an attractive option for singles and young professionals alike.
In the broader context, Georgia’s small business sector is thriving, with an impressive annual launch of approximately 670,000 small businesses. Nonetheless, the small business landscape remains challenging, as roughly 21% of small businesses fail within their first year. This statistic underscores the competitive nature of entrepreneurship, with only 25% of businesses surviving beyond 15 years.
Looking further into the rankings, Texas has been identified as the leading state for launching a business, achieving a startup score of 55.31. Ohio follows closely in second place with a score of 54.93, while North Carolina ranks third with a score of 54.64. The dominance of southern cities in business rankings highlights the investment and growth potential in these regions, with cities like Orlando and Tampa also gaining attention.
In summary, while Georgia has secured its spot within the top 10 states for business due to favorable metrics in infrastructure and workforce, the state’s quality of life issues present a significant contrast. As the landscape for small businesses continues to evolve, stakeholders will be keen to foster an environment in which both business success and quality of life become aligned.
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Additional Resources
- WSB Radio: Georgia Ranks Among Top 10 States for Business
- Saporta Report: Gov. Brian Kemp Proud of Georgia’s Business Rankings
- Valdosta Today: Georgia Ranks in Top Ten States for Starting a Business
- BusinessBecause: Best Business Schools for Return on Investment
- Google Search: Georgia Business Rankings
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
