Virginia still top business state

... according to CNBC's annual state competitiveness rankings. It's done very well in the past 15 years in this survey.

Reasons include a strong workforce (40% have at least a bachelors, according to the US Census Bureau, although the state has a relative shortage of workers and relatively few outsiders move there for work - it also has slightly below-average unemployment) and solid education system, reportedly.

Virginia scored high points in Cost of Doing Business, Infrastructure, Life Health and Inclusion (formerly Quality of Life), and Workforce. Although its score for Education looks low in its rankings, it represents the second highest state after Mass. and CNBC considers it key to winning the survey.

'Education is the best tool we have to make our Commonwealth a better, more equitable place for everyone,' according to Gov. Northam.

Virginia like other US states is currently focusing heavily on change in the form of forcing diversity, sustainability and connectivity. It also has a high cost of living and high wages.

The other top 5 were N.C., Utah, Texas and Tennessee.