Seattle's technology-centric economy helped push Washington to the top of CNBC's rankings.Citing Washington’s fast-growing economy, a remarkable list of top-tier global businesses, a concentration of highly-skilled STEM and technology workers, exceptional research institutions and outstanding quality of life, CNBC ranks Washington State as America’s Top State for Business in 2017.

CNBC’s economic climate scoreboard evaluated all 50 states against 60 measures of competitiveness. The metrics were developed by an array of business and policy experts and then combined into 10 key competitiveness categories.

Washington State came up very strong in workforce, economy, quality of life, technology and innovation, and access to capital. Although we knew Washington State is a pioneering, creative and robust place to do business, as well as having an incomparable quality of life, it’s nice to have others recognize our strengths.