Top 15 best US states for remote work
What are the best US states for remote work?
The best US states for remote work combine fast internet, low taxes, and a strong business climate, led by Delaware, Oregon, and Nevada.
- Good internet speed and broad coverage keep remote work smooth.
- Low or no state income tax helps workers keep more pay.
- A friendly business climate makes it easy to work from anywhere.
List of US states for remote work
- Delaware
- Oregon
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- New Hampshire
- Tennessee
- Arizona
- New Jersey
- Texas
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Washington
Remote work is now a key strategy for many companies. After all, it brings clear benefits to both firms and staff.
For many firms, the big question is what to do with the office. As a result, the way and place of work keep shifting. In fact, remote staff often report higher focus and output. So they tend to finish tasks faster.
Working remotely in the US
Remote work has changed how Americans do their jobs. According to the US Census Bureau, about one-third of US households now spend more time working from home than before. In addition, households with people who work remotely tend to report higher income, education, and health. So remote work is set to stay popular across the country for years to come.
Best US states for remote work
To find the best US states for remote work, we looked at the factors that matter most to a re mote employee. For one, internet access shapes how well a remote worker gets tasks done. A weak connection can slow things down, since most teams rely on online tools. The work setting matters too. Some employers still ask staff to be in a specific location for tax or access reasons. This can include internet costs, low taxes, and the option to call staff in when needed. Still, more firms now let teams work from anywhere. So we reviewed each state’s business ranking, internet access, average speed, and broadband coverage. We used data from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation and internet speed tests. In no set order, here are the best states for remote workers.
1. Delaware
Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution. So it holds rich history and many landmarks. It also ranks as a top state for remote work. In addition, it offers a strong company culture and a great living environment.
Relevant Delaware remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 6
- Average internet speed: 44.9 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 97.5%
2. Oregon
Oregon is one of the best states for a remote career. In fact, it had a large remote workforce early on. So work-from-home staff feel right at home there.
Relevant Oregon remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 25
- Average internet speed: 39.1 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 89.7%
3. Nevada
Nevada is a western state known for its relaxed policies. For years, they have drawn visitors to Las Vegas. Besides being home to “America’s Playground,” the state now embraces remote work.
Relevant Nevada remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 19
- Average internet speed: 34.3 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 91.8%
4. North Carolina
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina offers many places to live and work. Its cities rank high as places to live, do business, and study. So remote workers find plenty of options there.
Relevant North Carolina remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 15
- Average internet speed: 42.4 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 93.1%
5. Georgia
Georgia lets many staff work remotely on set projects and roles. Still, there is a catch. Because of the lack of an agreement between Georgia and nearby states, some firms with remote staff may face extra taxes.
Relevant Georgia remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 20
- Average internet speed: 39.1 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 90.6%
6. New Hampshire
New Hampshire draws many top remote-first companies. Right now, there are no set perks just for working from home. However, the state offers many tax breaks and grants for small firms. For example, WorkInvestNH gives a 50/50 match for training and development.
Relevant New Hampshire remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking: No. 7
- Internet connectivity ranking: 13
- Average internet speed: 37.4 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 94.3%
7. Tennessee
Tennessee is home to many high-earning businesses. So it is a great place to job hunt. Best of all, you can work from home and skip state income tax.
Relevant Tennessee remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking: No. 12
- Internet connectivity ranking: 24
- Average internet speed: 36.6 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 89%
8. Arizona
Arizona ranks among the top states for remote workers. It is the 6th largest state by area. In addition, its weather and terrain stand out as key draws.
Relevant Arizona remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking: No. 6
- Internet connectivity ranking: 29
- Average internet speed: 33.9 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 86.7%
9. New Jersey
New Jersey sits in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. It offers many sights and things to do. It has also said it will not tax remote staff as if their income came from the state. So it ranks first in the country for internet access.
Relevant New Jersey remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking: No. 21
- Internet connectivity ranking: 1
- Average internet speed: 52.0 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 99%
10. Texas
Texas welcomes remote, part-time, and freelance roles. It is the second-largest state by land and population. Moreover, it sits in the south and borders Mexico. So it offers space and jobs alike.
Relevant Texas remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking: No. 17
- Internet connectivity ranking: 30
- Average internet speed: 46.9 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 86.9%
11. South Dakota
South Dakota is another strong state for remote workers. It ranks 17th for both job and living environment. It also scores high on cybersecurity. Still, its neighbor North Dakota beats it on internet speed.
Relevant South Dakota remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 18
- Average internet speed: 28.6 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 92.2%
12. Utah
Utah sits in the Mountain West subregion of the country. It also touches New Mexico to the southeast. In addition, the Utah State Office Building was remodeled to hold more teleworkers.
Relevant Utah remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking: No. 2
- Internet connectivity ranking: 11
- Average internet speed: 37.2 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 94.9%
13. Virginia
Virginia sits on the Atlantic coast. It welcomes both remote and flexible job seekers. So it suits many kinds of workers.
Relevant Virginia remote work stats:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 22
- Average internet speed: 48.7 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 89%
14. Illinois
Illinois sits in the US Midwest. It has the fifth-largest GDP and sixth-largest population. As a result, many see it as a small model of the whole country.
Relevant Illinois remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 17
- Average internet speed: 40.4 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 92.3%
15. Washington
Washington often ranks among the top five most environmentally-friendly states. In recent years, it has added more mass transit. This helps it keep up with fast job-driven growth, above all near Seattle.
Relevant Washington remote work stats:
- Best states for business ranking:
- Internet connectivity ranking: 14
- Average internet speed: 41.0 Mbps
- Broadband coverage: 94.2%
Remote jobs available in the USA
Here are some of the most in-demand remote jobs in America.
Data entry clerk
A data entry clerk types data from paper records into a database. In addition, they check customer and account files for errors. So accuracy is a big part of the role.
Customer support specialist
Customer support specialists answer customer questions by phone, email, or chat. They also work to grasp customer needs and solve specific concerns. In turn, they investigate and report product problems.
Digital designer
A digital designer builds and manages computer graphics for many uses. They mix creativity with tech skills to create images. As a result, they work across fields like entertainment, education, and advertising. Their work spans websites, game visuals, and movie effects.
The current situation of remote work
Remote work is now a firm part of how many US companies operate. For many, internet access is the main concern. Still, the shift gives staff more time for personal needs. So it helps them reach a better work-life balance. It can also boost safety and peace of mind. In fact, working from home gives you room to think and do your best work. Best of all, you can join a firm you admire without moving. So you get to set up your own workflow and work as you see fit.
Frequently asked questions about the best US states for remote work
Which US state is best for remote work?
Delaware often tops the list. It pairs fast internet with a strong living environment. Oregon and Nevada rank high too.
Do some states have no income tax for remote workers?
Yes, several do. Tennessee and Texas are two clear examples. So remote staff there can keep more of their pay.
What makes a state good for remote work?
Fast internet and broad coverage matter most. Low taxes and a strong business climate help too. Together, these keep remote work smooth.
Which state has the best internet for remote work?
New Jersey ranks first for internet access. It offers 99% broadband coverage and high speeds. So it suits heavy online work.
Can I work remotely from any US state?
Often, yes. More firms now let teams work from anywhere. Still, some roles ask you to live in a set location for tax or access reasons.
Key takeaways
- The best US states for remote work mix fast internet, low taxes, and a strong business climate.
- Delaware, Oregon, and Nevada lead the list.
- Tennessee and Texas offer no state income tax, so workers keep more pay.
- New Jersey ranks first for internet access, with 99% broadband coverage.
- More firms now let teams work from anywhere, so remote work is here to stay.
Independent
