Washington Rises 3 Spots to No. 11 in CNBC Ranking as Business Costs Weigh

1 articles · Updated · MyNorthwest · Aug 21

CNBC moved Washington up to No. 11 in its 2026 Top States for Business ranking, three places better than last year’s No. 14.
138 metrics lifted the state on economy, workforce and quality of life, but weak scores on business costs and overall friendliness kept it out of the top tier.
Seattle business leaders said the drag is not only higher costs but uncertainty after new state and local taxes, including sales, payroll and B&O levies.
30% to 40% higher operating expenses than before the pandemic are still squeezing hotels and other fragile sectors even as headline indicators such as occupancy have largely recovered.
Washington once ranked No. 2 four years ago and No. 1 in 2017, underscoring how preserving its tech-driven strengths now depends on making long-term costs more predictable.