CNBC named Alabama as the most improved state for business in 2024, “led by a surging workforce.”
The news source established its yearly rankings based on the net migration of college-educated workers, strength of workforce, infrastructure progress, education levels, and quality of life. Since last year, Alabama has improved in almost every category.
In 2022, the Yellowhammer State ranked a decent 14th nationally in net migration of college-educated workers per the U.S. Census Bureau. The year before Alabama was ranked dead last in the category. That significant improvement was a large reason for the state’s jump in this year’s Most Improved Business rankings.
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Alabama’s workforce numbers are also greatly improving. In 2024’s rankings, the state jumped 20 spots to 24th place in the nation. The workforce category contributes to 15% of the state’s overall score.
The Infrastructure category, specifically site readiness, was the most important in this year’s ranking. In that classification, the state went from 13th last year to 8th this year.
The Alabama Senate Republican Caucus pointed to workforce and economic development legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session as evidence of the “strategic investments” toward making Alabama “the most business-friendly state in the nation.”
The strategic investments made this session are already paying dividends to Alabama's economy. Alabama is America's Most Improved State for Business and is well on its way to being the most business-friendly state in the nation. pic.twitter.com/ZpMwkAEZ9H
— Alabama Senate GOP (@ALSenateRepubs) July 17, 2024
The part of Alabama leading the progress as indicated by the data is in the northern part of the state, specifically the Huntsville area.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
