Data Demonstrate Rural Spaces Ripe for Telework

In October 2020, 55% of Americans teleworked; 16 months later, in January 2022, full-time telework dropped to 43%, and by October 2023, full-time telework rates had decreased to 35%. Current data, however, indicate that about one-third of Americans are working a hybrid schedule, alternating days at the office with days at home (or away). These trends offer benefits to rural spaces where robust broadband capabilities can support a wide range of telework experiences. Fortuitously, these trends coincide with increasing rates of broadband adoption. Household income (which translates into affordability) remains the single largest barrier to adoption. Strategies to address affordability, particularly where that might stand in the way of telework, can have far reaching community and economic impacts. Encouraging data from a variety of sources supports efforts to promote telework capabilities.