Home / Business and Economy / SC Business Rank: Middle of the Pack
SC Business Rank: Middle of the Pack
14 Jul
Summary
- South Carolina ranked 23rd overall with a D+ grade in a business study.
- The state excels in workforce (12th) and cost of living (19th).
- Infrastructure, especially data center capacity, impacted its lower ranking.
In a comprehensive 2026 study evaluating all 50 states, South Carolina was positioned at number 23 overall, earning a D+ grade for its business environment. The rankings were determined by 138 metrics across 10 competitiveness categories, with CNBC adjusting its weightings to reflect current economic priorities.
The Palmetto State demonstrated notable strengths, particularly in its workforce, securing the 12th spot nationally, and in its cost of living, ranking 19th. Furthermore, South Carolina shows impressive stability for new ventures, boasting the second-lowest first-year small business failure rate in the country.
However, the study also identified areas for improvement. South Carolina ranked 38th in business friendliness and 28th in technology and innovation. Its infrastructure score of C+ was impacted by limitations in data center capacity, capping AI computing power at 400 megawatts, which lags behind leading states and influenced its overall standing.
