New Jersey has landed in the top 20 among U.S. states in the latest “America’s Top States for Business” rankings compiled by business-news network CNBC, moving up more than 20 spots in a year’s time.  

In its comprehensive analysis, CNBC evaluates states across 10 categories, factoring in things like infrastructure, workforce and technology & innovation. 

This year, New Jersey scored its best grades in the categories of education, life, health & inclusion as well as access to capital, according to the latest rankings, which were released on Tuesday. The state also rose from 50th place to 19th when graded on its economy.  

That helped New Jersey leap to 19th in the overall rankings, after landing in the 42nd spot last year. Indeed, New Jersey gained more ground than any other state in the 2023 rankings, according to CNBC.  

But continued poor showings in several other key categories, including business friendliness and cost of doing business, kept New Jersey from surging even higher this year. 

North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee landed in CNBC’s top three spots this year, while Alaska, Louisiana and Mississippi occupied the bottom three spots. 

In its latest summary page for New Jersey, CNBC noted a 3.6% unemployment rate measured in New Jersey in May. The state’s latest bond rating, which reflects recent upgrades from top Wall Street rating firms, was also highlighted.