Remote work shrinks in U.S., Delaware tops states for telecommuters
VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES — Remote work is becoming increasingly elusive for American employees in 2025. Just 13% of American workers are fully remote in early 2025, with another 26% in hybrid roles, according to WFH Research.
Both numbers have slipped from pandemic highs — and they could fall further as President Donald Trump pushes more federal employees back to the office.
Still, for the shrinking group who can work remotely, WalletHub’s new rankings show the best states to live and work from home — if you can still swing it.
How WalletHub ranked the best states
WalletHub’s study scored states on two major categories: work environment and living environment. It factored in internet quality, electricity and internet costs, home size, and even backyard pool availability.
“Home size is key,” said Chip Lupo, analyst at WalletHub. “You also want to be in an area where you have reliable internet.”
Top three states for remote workers
- Delaware: This state ranks #1, with a score of 67.3 out of 100. Delaware boasts the third-lowest internet costs nationally, ranks ninth in broadband access, and fifth for average home size (2,277 square feet). Nearly 97% of its residents could work remotely.
- Utah: Scoring 67 points, Utah offers the lowest electricity prices nationwide, solid broadband access, and the largest average home size at 2,800 square feet — plenty of room for a home office.
- Maryland: With a score of 66.5, Maryland shines with cheap internet, strong broadband access, and big homes averaging over 2,200 square feet. It also ranks fourth nationwide in the share of workers already telecommuting.
Rounding out the top 10: District of Columbia, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington State, and New Hampshire. Meanwhile, Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming rank at the bottom.
Remote work’s long-term outlook
Despite government mandates and corporate RTO pushes, experts believe remote work is evolving, not disappearing.
“There will be a leveling off of remote and hybrid work, but it is here to stay,” said Danny Twilley of West Virginia University.
Anyi Ma, a management professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, added, “Companies that continue to offer remote work now have the chance to attract and hire the most talented employees.”
