The COVID-19 pandemic definitely hastened the trend toward remote work. As more workers were able to perform their jobs from their homes, people realized they were not tethered to an office cubicle in a particular city. Many workers feel that remote work gives the freedom and flexibility to balance work/family lives. Consequently, many looked into relocating. But the question is where to move to? (These are metro areas with the biggest pandemic population increase.)
To identify the states receiving the most interest in remote work, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the report Here are the States & Cities Where People are Most Interested in Remote Work from Today Testing. The site looked at the increase in search interest in remote work two years after COVID-19 began (March 11, 2020, was when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in the U.S.). Total population figures come from the Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey Five-year Estimates. Average new daily COVID-19 cases are a seven-day moving average. COVID-19 data is from local, state, and federal sources.
To be sure, workers have gotten a taste of remote work and are reluctant to give it up. A recent report by McKinsey & Co. and market research firm Ipsos surveyed 25,000 Americans from a wide range of industries in the spring. A third (35%) said they have the option to work from home five days a week, which McKinsey extrapolates to an estimated total of 55 million workers. Meanwhile, 87% indicated they would take the opportunity to work remotely if given the chance. “The flexible working world was born of a frenzied reaction to a sudden crisis but has remained as a desirable job feature for millions,” the report concludes.Â
The state receiving the most hits for remote work is North Carolina. Interest in the Tar Heel State leaped more than 50% two years after the pandemic. Yet its average new daily cases and all-time COVID-19 cases since Aug. 14 are seventh and sixth highest in the nation, respectively.Â
Regionally, the South appears to be where remote workers want to settle. Rounding out the top five behind North Carolina are South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. (Conversely, these are the cities that lost the most residents in 2021.)
Click here to see the states where interest in working from home is rising the fastest.
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
50. Montana
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 22.6%
> Population, 2020: 1,061,705 — 8th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 298,746 — 8th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 306.71 — 10th lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
49. North Dakota
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 23.2%
> Population, 2020: 760,394 — 4th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 260,507 — 4th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 274.71 — 8th lowest
24/7 Wall St.
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
48. Connecticut
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 24.6%
> Population, 2020: 3,570,549 — 22nd lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 862,307 — 19th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 743.14 — 17th lowest
Source: Art Wager / E+ via Getty Images
47. Hawaii
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 25.3%
> Population, 2020: 1,420,074 — 11th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 324,519 — 9th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 448.71 — 13th lowest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: pabradyphoto / iStock via Getty Images
46. Iowa
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 25.5%
> Population, 2020: 3,150,011 — 20th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 828,444 — 16th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 806.86 — 18th lowest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
45. Oregon
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 26.6%
> Population, 2020: 4,176,346 — 24th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 863,045 — 20th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 973.43 — 22nd lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: RudyBalasko / iStock via Getty Images
44. Minnesota
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 26.7%
> Population, 2020: 5,600,166 — 22nd highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,601,006 — 21st highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,491.71 — 25th highest
Source: knowlesgallery / iStock via Getty Images
43. Idaho
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 26.8%
> Population, 2020: 1,754,367 — 12th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 483,255 — 12th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 378.43 — 11th lowest
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
41. Louisiana
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 26.9% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 4,664,616 — 25th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,396,536 — 25th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,559.57 — 22nd highest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: haveseen / iStock via Getty Images
41. Vermont
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 26.9% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 624,340 — 2nd lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 128,863 — the lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 70.86 — the lowest
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
40. New Mexico
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 27.2%
> Population, 2020: 2,097,021 — 15th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 599,757 — 15th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 732.14 — 15th lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
38. Utah
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 27.5% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 3,151,239 — 21st lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,015,442 — 23rd lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 735.71 — 16th lowest
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
38. South Dakota
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 27.5% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 879,336 — 5th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 253,232 — 3rd lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 196.00 — 4th lowest
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
37. Nevada
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 27.6%
> Population, 2020: 3,030,281 — 19th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 834,488 — 17th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 499.29 — 14th lowest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
36. Oklahoma
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 28.4%
> Population, 2020: 3,949,342 — 23rd lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,144,252 — 24th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,648.29 — 21st highest
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
35. Alaska
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 28.6%
> Population, 2020: 736,990 — 3rd lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 275,542 — 5th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 266.86 — 7th lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
34. Wyoming
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 28.8%
> Population, 2020: 581,348 — the lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 172,473 — 2nd lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 164.43 — 3rd lowest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
32. Kansas
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 29.0% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 2,912,619 — 16th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 848,139 — 18th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 942.43 — 21st lowest
Source: DutcherAerials / E+ via Getty Images
32. California
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 29.0% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 39,346,023 — the highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 10,844,550 — the highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 13,671.29 — the highest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Matt Bills / iStock via Getty Images
31. Nebraska
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 29.1%
> Population, 2020: 1,923,826 — 14th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 521,706 — 13th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 395.71 — 12th lowest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
30. West Virginia
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 29.5%
> Population, 2020: 1,807,426 — 13th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 565,397 — 14th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 871.71 — 19th lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
29. Wisconsin
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 29.7%
> Population, 2020: 5,806,975 — 20th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,799,141 — 17th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,786.57 — 19th highest
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
28. Washington
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 30.1%
> Population, 2020: 7,512,465 — 13th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,756,800 — 18th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,786.86 — 18th highest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
26. New Hampshire
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 30.5% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 1,355,244 — 10th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 340,663 — 10th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 239.00 — 6th lowest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
26. Massachusetts
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 30.5% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 6,873,003 — 15th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,977,503 — 15th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,512.00 — 24th highest
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
25. Maine
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 31.1%
> Population, 2020: 1,340,825 — 9th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 278,461 — 6th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 201.14 — 5th lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
24. Arkansas
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 31.5%
> Population, 2020: 3,011,873 — 18th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 913,354 — 22nd lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 914.57 — 20th lowest
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
23. Rhode Island
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 31.9%
> Population, 2020: 1,057,798 — 7th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 392,368 — 11th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 100.00 — 2nd lowest
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
22. Delaware
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 32.7%
> Population, 2020: 967,679 — 6th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 297,517 — 7th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 293.86 — 9th lowest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: GCShutter / E+ via Getty Images
21. New York
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 33.5%
> Population, 2020: 19,514,849 — 4th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 5,872,753 — 4th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 4,670.14 — 4th highest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
20. Kentucky
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 33.8%
> Population, 2020: 4,461,952 — 25th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,497,314 — 23rd highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,519.14 — 13th highest
[in-text-ad]
Source: ChrisBoswell / iStock via Getty Images
19. New Jersey
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 35.0%
> Population, 2020: 8,885,418 — 11th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,627,779 — 11th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,078.57 — 10th highest
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
17. Maryland
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 35.9% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 6,037,624 — 19th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,199,400 — 25th lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,530.00 — 23rd highest
Source: milehightraveler / iStock via Getty Images
17. Colorado
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 35.9% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 5,684,926 — 21st highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,610,922 — 20th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,220.14 — 24th lowest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
16. Texas
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 36.3%
> Population, 2020: 28,635,442 — 2nd highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 7,555,543 — 2nd highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 9,912.57 — 2nd highest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
15. Alabama
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 36.7%
> Population, 2020: 4,893,186 — 24th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,445,283 — 24th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,260.71 — 25th lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
14. Indiana
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 37.0%
> Population, 2020: 6,696,893 — 17th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,854,031 — 16th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,334.71 — 15th highest
24/7 Wall St.
Source: JaySi / iStock via Getty Images
12. Illinois
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 37.5% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 12,716,164 — 6th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,611,415 — 5th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,915.14 — 8th highest
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
12. Missouri
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 37.5% (tie)
> Population, 2020: 6,124,160 — 18th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,578,508 — 22nd highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,766.14 — 20th highest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
11. Michigan
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 38.3%
> Population, 2020: 9,973,907 — 10th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,708,622 — 10th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,305.29 — 16th highest
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
10. Mississippi
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 38.4%
> Population, 2020: 2,981,835 — 17th lowest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 889,213 — 21st lowest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,207.86 — 23rd lowest
[in-text-ad]
Source: 4kodiak / E+ via Getty Images
9. Arizona
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 38.6%
> Population, 2020: 7,174,064 — 14th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,224,964 — 13th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,928.71 — 17th highest
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
8. Virginia
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 39.3%
> Population, 2020: 8,509,358 — 12th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,990,842 — 14th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,783.43 — 12th highest
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
7. Pennsylvania
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 40.3%
> Population, 2020: 12,794,885 — 5th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,125,967 — 6th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,946.57 — 11th highest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
6. Ohio
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 40.5%
> Population, 2020: 11,675,275 — 7th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,976,027 — 8th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,969.29 — 7th highest
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
5. Florida
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 41.5%
> Population, 2020: 21,216,924 — 3rd highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 6,901,581 — 3rd highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 7,946.86 — 3rd highest
[in-text-ad]
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
4. Tennessee
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 41.6%
> Population, 2020: 6,772,268 — 16th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,231,854 — 12th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,518.29 — 14th highest
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
3. Georgia
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 45.6%
> Population, 2020: 10,516,579 — 8th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 2,803,517 — 9th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,562.43 — 9th highest
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
2. South Carolina
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 48.9%
> Population, 2020: 5,091,517 — 23rd highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 1,637,108 — 19th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 4,563.29 — 5th highest
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
1. North Carolina
> Increase in interest two years after COVID-19: 51.6%
> Population, 2020: 10,386,227 — 9th highest
> Avg new daily COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 3,050,540 — 7th highest
> All-time total COVID-19 cases as of Aug 14, 2022: 4,048.00 — 6th highest
Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Here’s a Great First Step
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
