On July 28, 2026, Governor Kelly Ayotte celebrated new rankings from U.S. News & World Report that once again name New Hampshire as the best state for economic opportunity.
“New Hampshire is a beacon of opportunity in New England and for the nation, and it’s no surprise that we once again rank #1 in the country for economic opportunity,” said Governor Ayotte. “The New Hampshire Advantage is alive and well: no income or sales tax, a friendly environment for businesses to grow, and a quality of life that continues to attract new people and businesses to our state. To anyone looking for a place to start or grow your business, look no further than the Granite State!”
“New Hampshire’s position as a national leader for opportunity isn’t an accident—it’s the intentional strategy of a state built on economic freedom, fiscal discipline, and minimal red tape,” said Commissioner Lucy Lange of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “By keeping our tax structure competitive and empowering local businesses to scale, we’re ensuring that individuals and families from every corner of the state have a clear, unhindered path to prosper.”
“New Hampshire is the best state in America for economic opportunity, and the strong partnerships between the state and our business community will help ensure that momentum continues,” said Mike Skelton, President and CEO of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire. “We’re proud that New Hampshire is a place where businesses can grow and people can build successful careers. To maintain that advantage, we’ll keep working together to expand access to affordable housing and childcare, and grow our workforce so employers of every size can thrive for years to come.”
