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Oklahoma landed near the lower end of CNBC’s 2026 statewide business rankings, a position that underscores strengths in affordability but exposes deep weaknesses in education, workforce and quality of life. The placement matters for policymakers and employers weighing where to expand — and it arrives as the ranking’s methodology shifts to put more emphasis on physical and regulatory infrastructure.
CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” list, published this month, evaluated states across 138 data points grouped into 10 categories that companies typically consider when choosing locations for investment and operations.
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Why the methodology change matters
For 2026, CNBC rebalanced the scoring to give the most weight to infrastructure — not just roads and airports, but utilities, water access, energy systems and permitting ease. That reflects growing concern among site selectors about aging systems and delays that can slow or derail major projects.
Economy and workforce followed as the next most influential categories. CNBC says the update is intended to mirror shifting corporate priorities: firms are increasingly sensitive to the reliability of power and transport networks, while also needing workers with relevant skills.
Oklahoma’s mix of strength and weakness
Oklahoma came in 39th out of 50 states, down two spots from last year. The ranking paints a split picture: the state is an inexpensive place to operate, but it struggles on human capital and livability measures that businesses also care about.
| Category | Oklahoma result |
|---|---|
| Cost of doing business | 3rd nationally (A+) |
| Cost of living | 19th |
| Business friendliness | 18th |
| Infrastructure | 21st (up from 34th) |
| Education | 48th |
| Workforce quality | 42nd |
| Quality of life | 41st |
| Economy | 41st (down from 32nd) |
| Access to capital | 33rd |
That contrast — very low marks in education and workforce but high marks for cost — highlights a key trade-off. Companies seeking lower operating expenses may find Oklahoma attractive on paper, but employers also increasingly report difficulties locating workers with needed skills.
What this means for jobs and investment
States use these rankings in their economic development pitches; a weaker score can make it harder to win location decisions for high-growth projects that rely on skilled labor and robust infrastructure. For residents, the practical stakes include the types of jobs attracted to the state and how widely benefits from investment spread through local communities.
Moody’s and S&P ratings cited by CNBC show Oklahoma retains solid credit ratings (noted as Aa1 / AA+), a factor that can support borrowing for infrastructure projects. Yet closing gaps in education and workforce training is likely to be necessary if the state wants to move higher in future editions.
How the leaders got there — and the debate
Ohio took first place in 2026, climbing to the top after sustained policy efforts and long-term investments that state officials say improved tax structures, workforce training and energy policy. Other states near the top, including North Carolina, Virginia and Texas, combined market access, infrastructure and labor-market advantages.
Critics caution that rankings often reward preexisting geographic and demographic advantages — such as market size and proximity to customers — and may not capture how gains are distributed among workers and families. Some analysts argue that a top ranking does not automatically translate to broadly shared prosperity.
Quick look: where Oklahoma stands in the national pecking order
Oklahoma’s 39th-place finish puts it ahead of 11 states:
- Vermont (40)
- New Mexico (41)
- Oregon (42)
- Mississippi (43)
- South Dakota (44)
- Montana (45)
- West Virginia (46)
- Louisiana (47)
- Rhode Island (48)
- Alaska (49)
- Hawaii (50)
The top ten states in CNBC’s 2026 list:
- 1. Ohio
- 2. North Carolina
- 3. Virginia
- 4. Texas
- 5. Minnesota
- 6. Michigan
- 7. Georgia
- 8. Florida
- 9. Tennessee
- 10. Indiana
What to watch next
Policymakers in Oklahoma face a clear agenda if they want the state to climb: investments in education, targeted workforce development programs and continued upgrades to energy and water infrastructure. For businesses, the choice will depend on whether they prioritize lower costs today or access to a skilled talent pool and reliable infrastructure for long-term growth.
CNBC’s list provides a snapshot, not a prescription. But with infrastructure now carrying extra weight, states that move quickly to shore up systems and workforce pipelines could see measurable benefits in future rankings — and in the economic opportunities those rankings help attract.
