Updated
Updated · Bay Net · Jul 23
CNBC Ranks Maryland 2nd-Worst Economy With 143 Score After 25,000 Federal Job Cuts
Updated
Updated · Bay Net · Jul 23

CNBC Ranks Maryland 2nd-Worst Economy With 143 Score After 25,000 Federal Job Cuts

3 articles · Updated · Bay Net · Jul 23

Summary

  • Maryland placed second on CNBC’s list of the 10 worst state economies, scoring 143 out of 415 and trailing only Rhode Island.
  • CNBC tied the weak ranking to more than 25,000 federal job cuts in Maryland since 2025, alongside sluggish growth that left 2025 real GDP at $437.17 billion, up just 0.7%.
  • High costs, taxes and heavier regulation also weighed on the state, with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce warning Maryland is falling behind states that are simplifying rules and attracting investment.
  • North Carolina led CNBC’s economy rankings with a score of 317, while Texas and California also placed in the top three, underscoring how far Maryland trails faster-growing rivals.

Insights

With giants like Lockheed Martin, why is Maryland's economy falling behind states attracting massive new investments?
As federal job cuts reshape its economy, can Maryland's new incentives create enough private sector growth to recover?