Business Climate

What Makes Arlington a Top Place for Business

When it comes to economic opportunities and a thriving business climate, Arlington stands unrivaled. Nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most influential business regions, Arlington has distinguished itself as the premier destination for businesses. Recognized as the Mid-Sized Metro with the Best Business Climate by Business Facilities in 2024, Arlington exemplifies an environment where businesses can truly flourish.

Arlington and Virginia have long been celebrated as top-tier business locations. The Commonwealth of Virginia has consistently ranked among CNBC’s Top States for Business, securing the number one spot in 2019, 2021 and 2024. This consistent excellence underscores the alignment between Arlington and Virginia, where each enhances the other’s strengths.

Rankings

4

Top State for Business

1

Best Business Climate (Mid-Sized)

1

2024 State of the Year

Growing for All the Right Reasons

Benefiting from stable and responsible government, access to a large, talented workforce, a high quality of life and unmatched infrastructure, the Arlington business environment fosters growth.

The Arlington and Northern Virginia economy has experienced a consistent, steady growth over the past few decades, making the region a reliable choice for companies seeking to expand. As one of the top economic regions in the state, businesses in the region have access to an ever-expanding pool of both talent and consumers to support operational growth.

Latest Quarterly Indicators

7M+

SF of Office in the Pipeline

51K+

New Residents Since 2000

20K+

New Jobs Since 2000

Strategic Advantages in Arlington

Arlington boasts a robust and stable government structure, evidenced by a Triple-AAA bond rating maintained for over two decades. This stability is complemented by a statewide corporate income tax rate of 6%, lower than the national median of 6.8%, which has remained unchanged for half a century. This creates a reliable and predictable financial environment for businesses.

Arlington offers a wealth of advantages: a highly skilled and abundant workforce, a cost of living that is more affordable than many comparable regions and exceptional transit accessibility. Our proximity to the nation’s capital provides businesses with unparalleled access to key decision-makers, federal agencies and thriving industry clusters, from aerospace to technology.

In Arlington, we don’t just create a place to do business; we cultivate an environment where businesses can achieve unparalleled success and growth.

Low and Stable Corporate Income Tax Rate

Virginia’s corporate income tax has not increased in the last 50 years and is the lowest of the surrounding states. At 6%, Virginia’s corporate income tax is below the national median of 6.8%.

The Arlington business community benefits from stable and competitive tax rates compared to other jurisdictions in the region. Business taxes depend on the sector and size of your business.

To learn about how the cost of doing business in Virginia compares to other states, view Virginia’s state-by state-comparison tool.