Atlanta, Georgia, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Georgia has been named the top state for business for the 12th consecutive year, according to Area Development magazine. The ranking reflects critical factors such as affordable housing, reliable child care, and strong transportation systems, which help attract and retain talent. Georgia’s labor market continues to show strength with around five million employed residents, and its business-friendly environment is likely to stimulate further investments and job growth.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for the 12th consecutive year, according to a recent ranking by Area Development magazine. This assessment is based on metrics derived from a survey of site selectors who are influential in decisions regarding company investment locations.
Several key factors have contributed to Georgia’s enduring top position. Notably, affordable housing, reliable child care, and robust transportation systems are among the essential elements that executives regard as crucial not only for attracting talent but also for ensuring that employees can live and thrive in the state. The ranking highlights Georgia’s appeal to emerging companies and potential job creators within the area.
The state’s recognition comes on the heels of a jobs report released in August, indicating that approximately five million individuals are employed in Georgia, with the unemployment rate remaining unchanged since July. This statistic underlines the state’s strong labor market and economic stability.
Area Development magazine’s rankings assess a range of factors including permitting ease, availability of workforce training, exposure to climate risks, tax policies, business incentives, energy infrastructure reliability, support for technological innovation, and overall business-friendly regulations. Southern states have dominated this year’s rankings, with Georgia leading ahead of South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. Ohio was ranked fifth, while Michigan completed the top ten list.
Governor Brian Kemp attributed Georgia’s ranking to a collaborative effort towards economic development among state leaders, emphasizing the successful teamwork between elected officials and the business sector, which has maintained the state’s competitive edge. Furthermore, the magazine noted shifts in the criteria used for ranking. The importance of tax credits and land costs has evolved towards a greater need for access to energy, water, and housing.
As corporate decision-making increasingly prioritizes long-term environmental resilience, factors such as climate-related risks including flooding, fire, extreme heat, and drought are expected to become more significant in the future. This trend underscores the evolving landscape of business priorities as it pertains to location and operational sustainability.
The consistent recognition of Georgia as a leading business state provides a positive outlook on the state’s economic environment, fostering confidence in its ability to attract further investment and stimulate job growth.
Georgia’s Ranking Overview
- Ranking Position: No. 1 State for Business
- Consecutive Years: 12
- Total Employed Individuals: Approximately 5 million
- Key Factors: Affordable housing, reliable child care, transportation, and workforce training
- State Competitors: South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan
FAQs
How many consecutive years has Georgia ranked as the No. 1 state for business?
Georgia has ranked as the No. 1 state for business for the 12th straight year.
What were some key factors contributing to Georgia’s ranking?
Key factors contributing to Georgia’s consistent ranking include affordable housing, reliable child care, and transportation.
What was noted about the labor market in Georgia?
The new rankings followed an August jobs report showing roughly five million employed individuals in the state, with unemployment unchanged since July.
Which states ranked alongside Georgia?
Southern states dominated the rankings, with Georgia leading ahead of South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina; Ohio was ranked fifth, with Michigan rounding out the top 10.
Key Features of Georgia’s Business Environment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordable Housing | Provides residents with lower living costs, aiding workforce retention. |
| Reliable Child Care | Ensures employees have dependable options for children’s care. |
| Transportation | Strong infrastructure supports connections for business and commuting. |
| Workforce Training | Programs available to enhance skills and improve job readiness. |
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Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Georgia No. 1 State for Business Ranking
- Valdosta Today: Georgia Recognized as No. 1 for Business
- Streetz 94.5: Georgia Named No. 1 State for Business
- Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
- Google Search: Georgia business rankings
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA 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.
