The 10 Best and 10 Worst States for Business: #1

Best States for Business: #1

Tennessee

Open for Business Index Score: 87.45

The number one state for business is Tennessee, driven by best in the nation cost of living scores, impeccable infrastructure, low union representation, a low tax burden, a low cost of employing labor and strong scores in education. The volunteer state scored slightly better than average in tort law. Tennessee could use improvement in health and government as a percent of the economy. Tennessee protects its citizens from forced unionization with a Right to Work law.

Worst States for Business: #1

Rhode Island

Open for Business Index Score: 57.35

Rhode Island came in dead last on our Open for Business Index. The Ocean State scored well for the health of its citizens, but posted lousy scores for every other component. Rhode Island scored second-to-last for infrastructure, and third-to-last in tax burden. The state scored well below average on the percent of employees represented by unions, cost of living, the cost of employing labor, size of government, education, and tort law. Rhode Islanders are not protected from forced unionization.

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