Best States for Remote Workers 2026: All 50 Ranked
Which states are best for remote workers? Custom-weighted rankings based on affordability, economy, outdoor access, and more.
Top 10 states for remote workers
Rankings weighted toward affordable cost of living, strong economy, outdoor access, livability, low taxes, and safe communities — what remote workers prioritize when choosing where to live.
South Dakota leads the remote workers rankings with a persona-weighted score of 65.5/100. Wyoming (64.1) and Idaho (63.0) round out the top three.
The gap between #1 and #10 is 9.8 points. What separates these states from the rest is consistent strength across the categories that matter most for remote workers: affordability, economy, outdoor access.
| Rank | State | Remote Workers Score | Affordability | Economy | Outdoor Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Dakota | 65.5 | 84.5 | 70.3 | 45.8 |
| #2 | Wyoming | 64.1 | 72.4 | 48.4 | 95.7 |
| #3 | Idaho | 63.0 | 73.4 | 49.8 | 50.2 |
| #4 | Montana | 62.1 | 71.8 | 46.1 | 71.7 |
| #5 | North Dakota | 60.7 | 84.7 | 67.7 | 39.1 |
| #6 | Maine | 59.0 | 56.9 | 49.7 | 45.0 |
| #7 | New Hampshire | 57.8 | 44.3 | 84.5 | 43.0 |
| #8 | Vermont | 57.8 | 54.4 | 62.9 | 55.6 |
| #9 | Nebraska | 57.3 | 82.8 | 60.0 | 22.0 |
| #10 | Iowa | 55.7 | 85.0 | 56.1 | 22.4 |
#1: South Dakota
South Dakota leads the remote workers rankings with a weighted score of 65.5/100. The state scores 84.5 in affordability, 70.3 in economy, 45.8 in outdoor access. Overall rank: #3 (80.2/100, A+ grade). Median income: $72,280. Cost of living: 88.
South Dakota's weakest area for this ranking is outdoor access at 45.8, but the weights for remote workers put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2%. Violent crime: 330/100K. Life expectancy: 78.5 years.
#2: Wyoming
Wyoming scores 64.1/100 for remote workers, with strength in affordability (72.4) and economy (48.4). The state ranks #16 overall and offers a cost of living index of 91 with $484,000 median homes.
Wyoming's weakest area for this ranking is education at 36.7, but the weights for remote workers put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.5%. Violent crime: 203/100K. Life expectancy: 77.5 years.
#3: Idaho
Idaho scores 63.0/100 for remote workers, with strength in affordability (73.4) and economy (49.8). The state ranks #14 overall and offers a cost of living index of 91 with $485,000 median homes.
Idaho's weakest area for this ranking is education at 40.8, but the weights for remote workers put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.2%. Violent crime: 214/100K. Life expectancy: 78.5 years.
#4: Montana
At #4, Montana scores 62.1/100. Affordability: 71.8. Economy: 46.1. Outdoor Access: 71.7. Overall rank: #11. The state's affordability score of 71.8 is a standout.
Montana's weakest area for this ranking is economy at 46.1, but the weights for remote workers put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 3.7%. Violent crime: 377/100K. Life expectancy: 77.8 years.
#5: North Dakota
At #5, North Dakota scores 60.7/100. Affordability: 84.7. Economy: 67.7. Outdoor Access: 39.1. Overall rank: #6. The state's affordability score of 84.7 is a standout.
North Dakota's weakest area for this ranking is environment at 38.5, but the weights for remote workers put less emphasis on that category. Unemployment: 2.2%. Violent crime: 267/100K. Life expectancy: 79 years.
How these rankings differ from overall rankings
Our overall state rankings weight all categories equally. Remote Workers rankings shift the emphasis to what this group cares about most: affordability (20%), economy (15%), environment (12%). Categories like health and education carry zero weight.
This means a state can rank poorly overall but well for remote workers if its strengths align with the weighted categories. South Dakota ranks #3 overall but #1 for remote workers — in this case, both rankings agree.
States to avoid for remote workers
The bottom of the remote workers rankings: California (31.1), Louisiana (37.6), Illinois (38.5). Lower scores in affordability and economy are the primary reasons.
California scores 31.1/100 with affordability at 7.2, economy at 41.3, outdoor access at 40.8. These aren't necessarily bad states — they just don't align well with what remote workers prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the best state for remote workers in 2026?
South Dakota ranks #1 with a remote workers score of 65.5/100, driven by strong affordability, economy, outdoor access scores.
Q:What categories matter most for remote workers?
The top-weighted categories are Affordability (20%), Economy (15%), Environment (12%).
Q:How do remote workers rankings differ from overall rankings?
Remote Workers rankings emphasize affordability, economy, outdoor access while de-weighting categories less relevant to this lifestyle.
Q:Which state ranks worst for remote workers?
Illinois ranks last with a score of 38.5/100, primarily due to low affordability and economy scores.