Every year, Area Development releases a ranking of states by how favorable their environments are to businesses based on criteria such as permitting speed, workforce, energy and infrastructure, and government support. For the first time since 2019, Louisiana has been named one of the top 10 states for doing business, taking the number nine spot. Louisiana placed 11th in the 2024 version of the list, continuing an upward trend for the state.

Among the 15 individual categories used to make the overall ranking, Louisiana placed first in “Energy Cost.” As demand for energy skyrockets across the country, keeping energy costs low has become increasingly important for businesses. Louisiana has kept its energy prices down through its all-of-the-above attitude toward energy generation. Louisiana also placed fourth in “Energy Availability,” highlighting the state’s comprehensive focus on inexpensive, abundant and reliable energy generation and supply. In addition to the energy categories, Louisiana placed fourth in “Workforce Training Programs,” seventh in “Favorable Regulatory Framework,” and 10th in “Favorable Property Tax” and “Overall Cost of Doing Business.”

In addition, Mississippi shot up from number 15 on the 2024 list to number 11. Mississippi’s highest placement was fifth in “Energy Cost.”

Communities thrive when states pursue common-sense, pro-growth policies like the states of the Gulf Coast do. NAIOP provides a voice for commercial real estate to advocate for these policies and help guide state governments in the right direction.