State improves ranking in key categories including corporate tax climate and retains dominant positions in life sciences, exports and customized workforce training, as reported by Business Facilities
Michigan’s ascent to the top of national rankings continues with the latest announcement from Business Facilities. In its 21st Annual Rankings Report, Michigan was again named the top state in the nation for the automotive industry. According to Business Facilities, the ranking takes employment into account, with consideration for job increases over the past year, as well as relocation and expansion investments and export figures.
Michigan also ranked No. 3 in the semiconductor jobs and manufacturing jobs categories, highlighting the state’s ongoing leadership in those industries and improving its position from last year. According to the report, Michigan remains in the top ten for life sciences (No. 6) and exports (No. 7), with $61.5 billion in reported value. In a new development for 2025, Michigan entered the top ten states for corporate tax climate at No. 9.
“Team Michigan is honored by this continued recognition of the vision and collaboration underpinning our execution of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy. This evidence of success from our focus on advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and other key industries shows that companies of all sizes are investing in Michigan’s greatest asset, her people, and choosing to make Michigan their home. Thanks to bipartisan support of economic development by the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer’s leadership, we celebrate these wins while remaining laser-focused on the mission: move Michigan to No. 1 overall,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
In addition, Michigan was ranked No. 9 for customized workforce training by Business Facilities, which also selected the MEDC’s Talent Action Team as part of its 2025 class of ten statewide Economic Development Organization (EDO) Award winners in April 2025.
Business Facilities also recognized Michigan metro areas in its 2025 Metro Rankings, with Detroit as a Tech Talent Leader (No. 3 in the mid-sized labor pool category) and Large Manufacturing Hub (No. 9), and Grand Rapids/Kentwood as a Small Manufacturing Hub (No. 2).
These rankings build on the state’s recent recognition on a national stage this summer.
In July 2025, Michigan was ranked as the No. 6 state for business according to CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business 2025 list – the highest the state has ranked since the list was launched. The state moved up three spots from No. 9 on last year’s list and appears in the top 10 for the fourth time powered by the state’s economic development framework focused on People, Places, and Projects that ensures anyone can ‘Make It in Michigan.’
Learn why people and businesses are choosing Michigan.
