Top US remote working hotspots revealed

In the US, Utah and Massachusetts are the two most popular states for remote working, a study has revealed.

In these two states over a third (37%) of residents are working remotely at least once a week.

Southwestern state Colorado falls just behind, with an average of 36% of its population working from home, according to the report compiled by software development firm, SelectSoftware Reviews.

Using data from the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, the report offers a detailed state-by-state analysis of remote workers.

The survey considers variables such as age, gender, income, and education. It also reflects how the Covid-19 pandemic facilitated a monumental shift in work-from-home (WFH) culture.

The US Census Bureau recorded a substantial tripling in remote working overall — from 6% in 2019 to 18% in 2021 — a trend that continued into 2023.

The exploration of remote working trends by income revealed Massachusetts — known for its opportunities in medicine, pharmaceuticals and education — had the highest percentage (80%) of high earners ($200k+) working remotely.

Utah, conversely, had the highest proportion of low income ($25k or less) remote workers, around 20%.

“Our findings reveal there are more Americans earning a significantly higher salary working from home,” said Phil Strazzulla, CEO of SelectSoftware Reviews.

“Many high-paid roles involve working with colleagues, clients, or partners from different parts of the world. Therefore, remote work will allow professionals to collaborate effectively across time zones without the need for constant travel; increasing productivity,” adds Strazzulla.

Educational and generational trends

Education levels have also shown a significant correlation with remote working trends.

Around a quarter (28%) of workers in Utah, for example, whose education ended at high school (aged 18) are remote. Whereas those in the same state holding a bachelor’s degree or higher are almost twice as likely (49%) to be working remotely.

Among those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, Maryland leads with the highest number working remotely, at 59%.

On the generational front, Millennials and ‘Gen Z’ are leading remote work trends.

As many as half of all Millennials in Massachusetts are working from home. Meanwhile, across the country, Gen Z’ers average a 33% remote working rate.

A separate study by WalletHub.com placed Utah — a major center for mining, information technology, cattle ranching and government services —  second in its ranking of the best states for remote working, after Delaware. Colorado nabbed the tenth spot.

The study considered two pivotal metrics, ‘Living Environment’ and ‘Working Environment’. It accounted for factors like cybersecurity, internet access, and internet costs.

The result could explain why places like Utah are seeing an influx in remote working trends. Cheaper and more reliable internet and a lower cost of living facilitates more flexible work arrangements.

Across the Atlantic, however, a cost of living crisis in the UK is proving disruptive to remote work. Find out more here.