Digital Nomads

Younger generations, Gen Z (26%) and Millennials (38%), continue to comprise most digital nomads (64%). The rapid increase in Gen Z digital nomads (born 1997-2012) is the primary driver, as this generation now ages into the workforce, and are an active travel and large generation overall.

The share of older cohorts decreased in 2024. Still, almost one in seven (14%) of American digital nomads are 55 or older, indicating interest in the trend at all ends of the age spectrum.

Four in ten (40%) of digital nomads report they plan on spending more time in the U.S. next year and less time abroad, which may reflect work restrictions, the current global geopolitical and economic climate, or personal matters. Still, only 17% say they plan on spending more time abroad. In fact, 51% of digital nomads plan to travel exclusively in the U.S., like in 2023, but up from 42% in 2022. At the same time, 49% of nomads report planning on at least some international travel, but only 7% plan to spend the entire year outside the U.S.

In 2024, the average digital nomad visited 6.6 locations (versus 7.2 in 2023) and spent an average of 5.7 weeks at each location, up from 5.4 in 2023.

The study results also continue to show a shift in length of stay at each location.  Digital nomads are visiting fewer locations but spend more time at each stop. Often called "slomading", this approach provides a more active social life, allows nomads to learn more about local cultures, reduces travel stress, and improves work productivity.

When we started the MBO Partners' Digital Nomad study series six years ago, digital nomads were considered an eccentric and fringe group of nomadic workers. But digital nomadism is now mainstream, with 18.1 million Americans-a stunning 11% of American workers-being digital nomads.

The size and scale of this group have created a strong foundation for future growth:

• More organizations are implementing digital nomad policies:

  Successful corporations are embracing digital nomads and implementing policies that allow their workers to spend time working and traveling. As these workers generally have in-demand skill sets, it's a win for all.

• Countries and cities are competing for digital nomads:

  Governments at all levels realize that digital nomads spend more money than tourists, create jobs for locals- and even start local businesses. To date, more than 60 countries have created

• special digital nomad visas and other programs, smoothing out red tape and making it easier for digital nomads to locate in their countries.

• A growing support industry is making it easier to be a digital nomad:

  A wide variety of organizations are now providing products and services to assist digital nomads, everything from cross-border health insurance and financial services to temporary work and living spaces, as well as job sites specifically for nomads. Digital nomad villages-organized communities that provide the work, social, and living infrastructure for remote workers and their families-are also springing up worldwide.

• Remote work technology and methods continue to improve:

  The pandemic-induced shift to remote work resulted in massive investments in remote work tools and technology. These include faster Internet speeds and greater bandwidth, remote collaboration and teaming software, and better tools for operating remotely. Organizations must also now productively utilize blended hybrid workforces, which greatly benefits nomads as well.

After the explosive growth of American digital nomads between 2020 and 2022, we've seen modest growth in recent years. An expected slowdown is due to the pandemic easing, life and work returning to normal, and more workers are expected to show up at the office at least occasionally.