As of 6/30/26, compared to:
- Wake County (3.1%)
- North Carolina (3.6%)
- United States (4.2%)
Looking to start, expand or relocate your business?
Cary is the place for you.
Cary is the place for you.
A thriving community with an ideal location
Unemployment rate
0
%
Corporate Tax Rate
0
%
North Carolina is ranked #2 for our Corporate Tax Structure
– Tax Foundation 2025
North Carolina is ranked in the top 5 for the Best Business Tax Climate
– Area Development 2025
Cary is a thriving community of more than 190,000 residents in the heart of the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. With a population of more than 2 million, the Triangle consistently ranks among the top regions in the country to live, work, start a business, and find a home. Cary has taken advantage of its unique location to create a nationally recognized community of excellence.
For the fifth consecutive year, CNBC has recognized North Carolina as one of America’s Top States for Business. The state earned the No. 2 ranking in 2026 and 2024, after claiming the No. 1 spot in 2025, 2023, and 2022. This remarkable consistency underscores North Carolina’s strong business climate, world-class workforce, and thriving economy. It also reinforces the competitive advantages of Wake County and Cary, which continue to attract investment, foster innovation, and rank among the nation’s premier destinations for businesses to start, grow, and succeed.
0
Fortune 100
0
Fortune 500
0
Global 1000
Key industries
Information Technology
Cary is highly attractive for those in information technology and is home to worldwide leaders in the sector.
Life Sciences
Cary and the region are recognized as a global leader in life sciences spanning the fields of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices.
Clean Tech / Smart Grid
Cary and the region are recognized for a commitment to developing cleaner, more efficient forms of technology.
Advanced Manufacturing
Cary and the region are recognized for developing technology that improves processes.
Click on the map below to see how other states measure up to North Carolina’s workforce, business climate, and more.
#2
Business Climate
- Area Development 2025
#3
Best Business Climate
- Business Facilities 2025
#5
Best State for Foreign Direct Investment
- FDI Markets 2024