Proof in the Rankings: Why Tennessee Stands Above the Rest
In life and in football you never really know how good your team is until they take the field against someone else. Stats and confidence only go so far until the whistle blows. The same goes for states. It’s one thing to think you’re doing well; it’s another to be stacked up against your peers and come out on top. And in 2025, Tennessee isn’t just holding its own—we’re leading the nation.
Tennessee continues to deliver results that other states can only envy. We’ve built a track record of responsible governance that’s earning our state top marks from every corner of the country. This year, we again maintained our AAA bond rating from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. That’s the highest possible rating a state can receive—proof that Tennessee’s financial house is in order. In fact, Fitch called our approach “well-considered” and credited us with “very low debt and pension liabilities.” That’s not just talk—it’s real, conservative leadership in action.
Tennessee ranks #5 in fiscal stability according to U.S. News, and we carry the lowest state debt per capita in the country. We’ve achieved that while maintaining no income tax and ranking #2 in the nation for lowest state and local taxes per capita, according to the Tax Foundation. That’s a direct reflection of lawmakers working year after year to cut waste and reduce the tax burden on hardworking Tennesseans. Since 2011, we’ve cut over $2 billion in taxes. We’ve protected your wallet and kept Tennessee the #1 state to save money, according to Bankrate.
But our financial success doesn’t stop at the balance sheet. It drives a business environment that’s attracting jobs and opportunity in every corner of the state. Area Development ranks Tennessee #1 in energy availability and costs, #1 in the overall cost of doing business, and #1 for cooperative and responsive state and local government. We’re ranked #3 best state for business by Chief Executive magazine and #3 for doing business overall by Area Development. That’s the kind of business climate that makes companies want to plant roots here—and they are, in record numbers.
We’ve continued to see growth in our core industries like agriculture, tourism, and entertainment. From the farms of West Tennessee to the music stages of Nashville to the mountain trails in East Tennessee, we’re seeing investment, innovation, and expansion.
It’s no wonder people are moving here. Tennessee ranks #4 in the nation for inbound movers, as more Americans seek out states with strong economies, lower taxes, and a better quality of life. And we’re proud to be named the #8 best state for middle-class Americans, because here in Tennessee, we believe everyone should have a shot at a better future.
We often say that conservative principles work—but in Tennessee, we’ve got the scoreboard to prove it. While other states are drowning in debt, raising taxes, or chasing away business, we’ve stayed the course. We’ve balanced budgets, invested in priorities, and put families first.
When you compare Tennessee to other states, one thing becomes clear: our team knows how to win. And thanks to the people of this great state who continue to support strong, conservative leadership, Tennessee’s best days are still ahead.
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