Illinois Continues Historic Rise, Reaching No. 12 in CNBC’s Top States for Business Rankings

CHICAGO – CNBC today named Illinois the 12^th Top State for Business in America, the highest ranking in state history and another milestone in Illinois’ continued economic resurgence.

Since Governor JB Pritzker took office in 2019, Illinois has improved 18 spots in CNBC’s annual rankings, rising from No. 30 to No. 12 — tied for the largest improvement of any state in the nation during that period. The recognition reflects Illinois’ continued progress in restoring the state’s fiscal health, attracting private investment, and making strategic investments in emerging economies that are creating good paying jobs and positioning the state for long-term growth.

Illinois earned national recognition across the categories businesses weigh most when deciding where to locate, expand, and invest, including:

“When I took office, we set out to change the trajectory of Illinois by restoring fiscal responsibility, investing in our people, and rebuilding confidence in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, Illinois has broken another record with its highest-ever ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business and now is tied for the largest improvement of any state since 2019. That didn’t happen by accident — it happened because we’ve balanced eight consecutive budgets, earned 10 credit upgrades, invested in world-class infrastructure and education, and partnered with businesses to create jobs and opportunity across Illinois. While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we’re going to keep building on this momentum.”

“Thanks to years of fiscal responsibility, Illinois has not just recovered, but reached our highest rankings ever, reflecting the hard work of countless Illinoisans,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “We've built a home for innovation and entrepreneurship and I'm proud to see our education system, infrastructure, and business community receiving well-deserved national recognition.”

“Sure and stable wins the race, and this marks yet another year of Illinois moving up the ranks,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “It’s a testament to the teamwork and shared goals in our great state.”

In addition to improving 18 spots in the overall rankings, Illinois saw tremendous improvement in the Economy category, with Illinois rising from No. 45 in 2019 to No. 29 in 2026. This category is heavily weighted in the CNBC ranking and takes into account credit ratings, budget spending, and revenues, as well as GDP and other critical factors. ​

A Stronger Foundation for Growth

Illinois’ record-setting ranking reflects years of progress strengthening the state’s fiscal foundation while making strategic investments to grow the economy.

Since Governor Pritzker took office, Illinois has:

Those investments continue to attract businesses, strengthen communities, and create jobs across Illinois. In 2026 through the State’s incentive programs, Illinois has attracted $2.5 billion in private investment from global companies that will create and retain thousands of jobs while expanding the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, food processing, and industrial technology. Some of the companies include: ​ ​

Investing in World-Class Infrastructure

Illinois ranked No. 3 in the nation for Infrastructure, reflecting years of strategic investments to modernize the state’s transportation network. Through the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, the state has invested billions to repair and modernize roads, bridges, transit systems, airports, rail, and broadband infrastructure across Illinois. To build on this historic progress, in 2025 Governor Pritzker launched the largest infrastructure program in state history, which includes $50.6 billion in investments. ​

That same year, Illinois also launched a first-of-its-kind $500 million Site Readiness Program to prepare development-ready sites across the state, helping communities compete for major business investments. ​

Investing in Education

The state ranked No. 7 in Education, underscoring Governor Pritzker’s commitment to preparing Illinoisans for a strong future. Since taking office, the Governor has increased Evidence-Based Funding for K-12 schools by more than $2.5 billion; expanded career and technical education; strengthened apprenticeship and workforce training programs; increased operating support for higher education; and invested in initiatives that connect workers with careers in growing industries like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, quantum computing, and clean energy.

Building on a Positive Trajectory

Today’s ranking contributes to a growing list of national recognitions for Illinois’ economy. Earlier this year, Site Selection Magazine ranked Illinois No. 2 in the nation for corporate expansion and relocation projects for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring the state’s continued momentum as one of America’s leading destinations for business investment.

Site Selection Magazine also ranked Illinois No. 1 for workforce development in the Midwest and No. 3 in the nation for 2026. The ranking highlights Illinois’ commitment to providing innovative workforce programs, career training, and employment services that create resources for jobseekers and ensure businesses continue to thrive.

###