The economy in the Tar Heel State can be a boon to business. But steps toward inclusiveness are needed.

Economic Profile

Governor: Roy Cooper, Democrat

Population: 10,600,823

GDP growth (Q1 2021): 6.5%

Unemployment rate (May 2021): 4.8%

Top corporate tax rate: 2.5%

Top individual income tax rate: 5.25%

Gasoline tax: 36.35 cents/gallon

Bond rating (Moody's/S&P): Aaa, stable/AAA, stable

Major private employers: Wal-Mart, Bank of America

Economic profile sources: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute (excluding 18.40 cent/gallon federal tax), Moody's Investor Service, S&P Global Market Intelligence