Ohio Climbs to No. 7 Nationally, Tops Midwest in CEO Business Rankings
Event summary
- Ohio ranked No. 7 nationally and No. 1 in the Midwest in Chief Executive magazine's 2026 'Best & Worst States for Business' survey, based on input from 650+ CEOs.
- State's rise from No. 41 in 2011 reflects strategic focus on business-friendly policies, infrastructure, and workforce development.
- Ohio boasts no corporate income tax, strong infrastructure rankings (CNBC No. 1 in 2025), and a 5.5M-strong workforce (3rd largest in manufacturing).
- JobsOhio 2030 plan targets talent, AI, semiconductors, and energy as growth pillars through 2030.
The big picture
Ohio's ascent reflects a decade-long strategy to position itself as the Midwest's economic hub, leveraging infrastructure advantages and cost competitiveness. The state's focus on high-tech manufacturing and AI aligns with national trends toward reshoring and supply chain diversification. With 22 years of CEO survey data backing its claims, Ohio is emerging as a serious contender for large-scale corporate investments previously concentrated in coastal states.
What we're watching
- Sustainability of Rankings
- Whether Ohio can maintain its top Midwest position as other states intensify economic development efforts.
- Workforce Development
- How JobsOhio 2030's talent initiatives will address skills gaps in high-growth sectors like AI and semiconductors.
- Policy Continuity
- The impact of potential governance changes on Ohio's business-friendly tax and regulatory environment.
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