Study Reveals America's Top States for Working From Home
The debate over remote work isn't going away. While many employers push staff back to the office, a study of more than 7,700 employees published this summer found that fully remote workers reported the highest well-being of any group. But where you log on from matters, too. Some states offer a much stronger mix of pay, job opportunities, and fast internet than others.
New research by PEO Metrics analyzed all 50 states to reveal the best places to work remotely, comparing everything from work-from-home salaries and internet speeds to rent and coworking spaces. Colorado ranks first with a score of 65.20, ahead of Washington at 63.32 and Massachusetts at 62.68. Oregon places fourth, while Rhode Island completes the top five.
"Remote work gives people control over where and how they work, and that's a big part of why so many people are happier doing it," said Chris DeCarolis, employment expert at PEO Metrics.
"But that freedom works best in places that can support it. Good pay, reliable internet, and affordable housing all decide whether working from home actually improves your life or just moves your stress to the kitchen table," he added.
Top 10 States for Remote Work:
Colorado — 65.20: Second for coworking spaces, with 2.05 per 100,000 residents, and seventh for the share of remote job postings.
Washington — 63.32: The highest-paying state for remote workers, with an average salary of $69,290.
Massachusetts — 62.68: Third for both remote salary ($66,814) and the share of remote job postings, despite the highest rent in the study at $3,125.
Oregon — 62.06: An average remote salary of $64,683 with rent of $1,500, the lowest in the top 10.
Rhode Island — 59.97: Seventh for internet speed and second for hiking trails, with 495.16 per 1,000 square miles.
Virginia — 59.81: Second for the share of remote job postings, at 1.42%.
Nevada — 59.37: Third for coworking spaces, with 1.84 per 100,000 residents.
Maryland — 59.17: The second-fastest internet in the country, averaging 238.26 Mbps.
California — 58.91: The highest share of remote job postings in the US, at 1.76%.
Connecticut — 57.96: Fourth for internet speed, at 233.88 Mbps.
What the Ranking Measured
The study compared seven metrics: average work-from-home salary (25%), average internet speed (20%), the share of remote job postings (15%), average rent (15%), coworking spaces per 100,000 residents (10%), hiking trails per 1,000 square miles (8%), and parks per 100,000 residents (7%).
Each state was scored on every metric, and the weighted scores were added together to give an overall score out of 100. The ranking reflects the combination of metrics analyzed rather than suggesting that every town in a higher-ranking state offers the same conditions.
DeCarolis added: "If you're thinking about moving for remote work, look at your total costs, not just your pay. A lower salary in a cheaper state can leave you with more money each month than a higher one somewhere expensive. And don't forget to check how your employer handles pay. Some companies adjust salaries based on where you live, so ask before you move."
At the other end of the ranking, West Virginia ranks last with a score of 25.55, followed by Indiana at 29.81. Hawaii, Montana, and Idaho complete the bottom five.
