Illinois’ business reputation gets a boost, as state earns highest-ever ranking in CNBC’s “Top States for Business”
Illinois recorded its highest overall ranking in CNBC’s “2026 Top States for Business,” a testament to its rising status as a global business destination. Notably, Illinois has jumped 27 spots since CNBC started publishing its rankings in 2007, and 18 spots since 2019.
“Illinois continues to rise in CNBC’s Top States for Business, a clear confirmation that Team Illinois’ efforts are paying off,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “With world-class infrastructure, a deep talent base, and a collaborative public-private ecosystem, business is booming in Illinois and companies are taking notice.”
Additionally, the state placed No. 3 in infrastructure, CNBC’s top-weighted category in 2026’s list, “as companies pursue strategic locations close to transport hubs, top utilities, access to fresh water, and abundant energy to power things like advanced manufacturing and data centers.”
“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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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.”
CNBC’s rankings build on a wave of recent high-profile corporate investments:
- Hyundai Translead is investing $450 million and creating nearly 2,500 jobs to manufacture trailers in Will County.
- CSL is investing $1.5 billion to construct a new manufacturing facility in Kankakee County, marking one of the largest life sciences investments in state history.
- Incobrasa Industries opened a $250 million soybean processing plant and solar array in Gilman, reinforcing the state’s status as a hub for biofuels, food processing, and advanced agricultural manufacturing.
- IBM will establish its FutureNow Chicago delivery center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, creating 750 new jobs and training City Colleges of Chicago apprentices in high-tech fields.
- Continental Tire is doubling down on its Southern Illinois ties with a new highly-automated finished goods warehouse in Mount Vernon.
- AbbVie will construct two new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago campus, investing $380 million and creating 300 new full-time jobs.
In addition to CNBC’s rankings, Illinois recently secured the No. 2 and 3 spots in Site Selection’s top states for corporate investment and workforce development lists, respectively.
Learn more about Illinois’ improving business climate Gov. Pritzker’s release.
See CNBC’s full ranking here.
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