Utah is second-best among the 50 states when it comes to doing business, Forbes.com said Wednesday.

The state jumped two spots from fourth place in last year's Best States for Business rankings, coming in just behind Virginia.

The Forbes list ranks states using six categories: business costs, labor, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life.

"Our economy is becoming very well known," said Jason Perry, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "It's a place where businesses really want and need to be."

To those who know business and know Utah, the ranking isn't surprising.

"It actually makes a lot of sense based on a lot of different data that we've seen in the last few years," said Kendall Oliphant, senior vice president for Utah-based Thredgold Economic Associates. "Utah arguably has the strongest economy right now in the nation."

Oliphant named appreciating house prices, recreational activities and a younger work force as three draws for businesses to come to Utah.

"(Utah) is a little bit more laid back than other states," he said. "It follows the trend of more people moving to the West wanting to enjoy more space."

The state has a growth rate of 4.5 percent — four times the national average — and shows no signs of slowing, Oliphant said.

Utah ranked 12th in the Forbes quality of life category. Its highest ranking in the individual categories was ninth in economic climate.

Such a high ranking in a well-respected publication with a strong national following definitely helps the state, Oliphant said. Business leaders strongly consider those numbers, and they can influence decisions concerning relocations.

"I have no doubt that just being ranked higher helps drive different business opportunities," Oliphant said.

Perry agrees.

"You get a very good picture of the economic environment for any particular state," he said. "These kinds of rankings do matter."

He also said the state's excellent schools contribute to businesses wanting to move to Utah, as some prominent business owners have told him those schools "are producing one of the most talented work forces in the country."

North Carolina, Texas and Washington rounded out the Forbes top five.

CNBC also came out with a business ranking, its first, on Wednesday, and Utah placed third on its list.

The states and their rankings are announced on the TV network's show "Power Lunch," on every day. Utah snatched the No. 2 spot in the quality of life category, which takes into account recreation areas, crime rates and health care.

CNBC ranked Georgia and North Carolina fourth and fifth, respectively. The states in second and first place have not yet been announced.

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