Texas has risen to No. 3 nationally for starting a business in 2026, according to WalletHub’s latest Best and Worst States to Start a Business ranking. This improvement from eighth in 2024 and fourth last year is attributed to strong employment growth and high entrepreneurship rates.
WalletHub assessed all 50 states using 25 metrics in three categories: business environment, access to resources, and business costs. Texas ranked first in business environment, eleventh in access to resources, and thirty-fourth in business costs, demonstrating strong growth and opportunity despite higher operating expenses.
The report highlights that Texas has the tenth-highest entrepreneurship rate and the eleventh-highest share of fast-growing firms nationwide. Over 53% of Texas businesses are part of strong industry clusters, improving access to suppliers, talent, and customers, all of which support long-term success.
Texas also ranks third among states for both working-age population growth and employment growth. Austin remains a leading startup city and a top Southern tech hub, further enhancing the state’s appeal to entrepreneurs.
Top 10 States for Starting a Business in 2026 (WalletHub):
- Florida
- Utah
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Idaho
- Mississippi
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Nevada
- California
Source: AOL / WalletHub
Reporter: Amber Heckler
Original Story: https://www.aol.com/news/texas-gets-3rd-best-state-191402003.html