CNBC’s “Top States” Ranking Is the Top Flop of 2026

The worst state to live in is Tennessee, and the best state is Vermont — at least according to CNBC’s standards. On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin parse through CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business” study and discuss why many people think it is a joke. Lyrah and Madelynn examine the survey’s emphasis on each state’s inclusivity policies regarding LGBTQ issues, DEI and reproductive rights, which they argue caused conservative-leaning states to sink to the bottom of the list. They criticize the ranking for not only being biased but also for being tone-deaf to the true desires of Americans when choosing a place to settle down. Tune in to find out if you live in the best or worst state!