60+ Digital Nomad Statistics 2025

One thing is for certain: The rise of digital nomads has drastically changed the travel industry in the past few years, for better or worse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies switched to remote work models, which inspired many employees to take their work on the road. And still, five years later, the trend continues. Today, there are tens of millions of digital nomads around the world, and that number is only expected to grow!

If you want to learn more about digital nomads or are thinking of joining the ranks of remote workers, here are 60+ digital nomad statistics that you need to know!

Highlighted Digital Nomad Statistics

• A whopping 1 in 10 American workers are digital nomads, with this number increasing year after year. (MBO)
• 91% of digital nomads are happy with their jobs and income. (MBO)
• Japan is the number one most-liked country for digital nomads, with Croatia coming in as a close second. (Nomads)
• Over 70% of digital nomads spend anywhere between one and seven months in each destination. (Statista)
• Although digital nomads typically fly between destinations, they still tend to produce 75% less CO2 than the average American. (Plumia)
• The number of digital nomads could sour to 1 billion by 2035. (Forbes)

Digital Nomad Demographic Statistics

Who are digital nomads? How old are they? And what are their backgrounds? In this section, we will look into some interesting stats on digital nomad demographics that will help to answer these burning questions.

1. 47% of Digital Nomads Are Between the Ages of 30-39

The largest age group of DNs is 30-39 at 47%. Then, surprisingly, the second largest group is those aged 50-59, at 19%, followed by 40-49-year-olds at 16%. 

Younger digital nomads, aged 20-29, make up 14%, while those between 60-69 years old are 3%, and those 70 and older are just 1%. It shows that while digital nomadism is popular among those in their thirties, it spans all age groups. (Nomad Offshore Academy)

2. Largest Group of Digital Nomads Belongs to Millennials

More than half (64%) of digital nomads are made up of Gen Zers (26%) and Millennials (38%), with Millennials taking up the top spot of the largest group of digital nomads by generation. However, there is a huge increase in Gen Z digital nomads, so this is expected to change as more Gen Zers enter the workforce. (MBO)

3. 1 in 10 American Workers Is a Digital Nomad

A whopping 18.1 million American workers are digital nomads, constituting around 11% of the workforce, showing a roughly 5% increase year after year. While the rate of increase has slowed since the initial boost after the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, it still continues to grow. (MBO)

4. 90% of Digital Nomads Have Higher Education

90% of digital nomads have completed higher education. Of these, 33% have master’s degrees, and 54% hold bachelor’s degrees. 

Only 10% have just a high school diploma, and 3% have earned a PhD. Digital nomads generally have a strong educational background, which may equip them with skills needed for remote work. (Nomad Offshore Academy)

5. More Than Half of Digital Nomads Have Families

Contrary to the stereotype of digital nomads being single young professionals, the majority (56%) are married or equivalent, and a surprising percentage of nomads (23%) travel with their children. (MBO)

6. 35% of Digital Nomads Are Looking for New Friends

When it comes to personal relationships, 35% of digital nomads are primarily seeking friendships. Additionally, 32% look for travel companions, 16% are interested in casual dating, and 13% are in search of more serious relationships. 

A smaller group, 5%, is open to polyamorous relationships. (Nomad Offshore Academy)

7. 74.5% Became Digital Nomads During the Pandemic

Almost three-quarters (74.5%) of digital nomads say they started working remotely because of the pandemic. The global crisis pushed people to find new ways of working that didn’t require going into an office. (Forbes)

While the digital nomad community experienced a boom during the pandemic years, the community continues to grow.

8. Digital Nomad Numbers Tripled After the Pandemic

The digital nomad community grew by 131% from 2019 to 2022, which means their numbers tripled in the initial years of the pandemic.

However, since 2022, the growth rate has slowed to about 2% annually. (Forbes)

9. There Are 40 to 60 Million Digital Nomads

While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact number of digital nomads around the world, estimates range from 40 million to 60 million nomads — with most sources stating 40 million. This number is expected to increase. (Andy Sto)

10. Men Make Up the Majority of Digital Nomads

In the digital nomad community, men make up 56% of the workforce, while women represent 43%, and non-binary individuals account for 1%. (Yahoo Finance)

11. 24% Have Been a Digital Nomad for More Than 5 Years

42% have been following this lifestyle for less than a year, suggesting a growing interest in remote work and travel.

Meanwhile, 33% have been digital nomads for 1 to 5 years, and 24% have lived this way for more than five years, indicating a strong dedication among a sizable group. (FlexJobs)

12. 76% of Digital Nomads Are Caucasians

Among digital nomads, the majority, 76%, are of European descent, making them the largest ethnic group in this community.

The next largest groups are Latinos at 10%, followed by Asians at 8%, and individuals of African descent at 6%. (Digital Nomad Observatory)

13. Almost Half of Digital Nomads Come From the USA

As of March 2024, 46% of digital nomads come from the United States, making it the largest home country for digital nomads. 7% comes from the UK, which is the second largest home country for digital nomads. (Statista)

14. 24% Have Been a Digital Nomad for More Than 5 Years

42% have been following this lifestyle for less than a year, suggesting a growing interest in remote work and travel.

Meanwhile, 33% have been digital nomads for 1 to 5 years, and 24% have lived this way for more than five years, indicating a strong dedication among a sizable group. (FlexJobs)

15. 76% of Gen Zers and Millennials Say Being a Digital Nomad Is the New American Dream

Forget settling in a suburb, buying a house, and working in the same company for decades. According to more than two-thirds of surveyed Gen Zers and Millennials, being able to live and work wherever you want is the new American Dream. (Howdy)

16. 5% of Digital Nomads Are Gay

Roughly 5% of digital nomads identify as gay or lesbian, while a further 8% identify as bisexual. These numbers are slightly higher than the world’s average, but it’s worth noting that most digital nomads tend to be younger and come from more progressive countries. (Serviap Global)

17. More Digital Nomads Are Becoming Independent Workers

While most digital nomads work for employers, the number of independent workers who work for themselves is growing. In 2024, 20% of digital nomads were independent workers, and the number of American digital nomads with traditional jobs fell by 5%. (MBO)

Digital Nomad Jobs

The one million dollar question. What jobs are digital nomads working? In recent years, many jobs have moved to remote working standards, so there are tons of job opportunities for those aspiring to become digital nomads. Make sure to check out our guide to the best entry-level digital nomad jobs!

18. More Than a Third of Digital Nomads Earn Between $100,000 and $250,000 a Year

In a study from March 2024, it was found that 35% of digital nomads around the world make between $100,000 and $250,000 each year. However, a smaller group, about 6%, earn less than $25,000 a year. (Statista)

19. 91% of Digital Nomads Are Satisfied with Their Jobs

A huge majority of digital nomads are happy as remote workers. Specifically, 79% feel highly satisfied with their job and 12% are satisfied. 79% are also very satisfied (41%) or satisfied (38%) with their income. (MBO)

The reason for this high percentage of satisfaction is often touted to the fact that nomads tend to focus more on the journey rather than the money. Many digital nomads say that they’d be happy to earn enough money to support their travels, even if it means they earn less than they would at home.

20. 78% of Digital Nomads Rely on Digital Connections

Nearly 8 out of every 10 digital nomads, or 78%, say that their work is heavily dependent on digital connections.

In comparison, only 56% of workers who are not digital nomads report the same. (Yahoo!Finance)

21. Highest Percentage of Digital Nomads Work in Information Technology

The largest percentage, 19%, work in information technology. Following closely are creative services with 14%, while education and training, along with sales, marketing, and PR, each contribute 9%.

Finance and accounting roles are held by 8%, and consulting, coaching, and research by 7%. The wide range of professions shows the versatility and adaptability of the digital nomad workforce. (MBO)

22. Digital Nomads Use AI to Stay Competitive

It comes as no surprise that technology plays a crucial role in the lives of digital nomads. As such, they are quick to adopt new technologies, such as AI. In fact, around 79% of digital nomads use AI to maintain a competitive edge in their work.

77% of digital nomads are early adopters of new technologies, compared to just 43% among their non-nomadic counterparts. Digital nomads are particularly proactive in adapting new technological tools to increase their productivity and efficiency. (MBO)

23. Most Digital Nomads Work Full Time

Full-time work is the most common amongst digital nomads, accounting for 64%. There are many part-time digital nomads as well, making up 36% of nomads. This is not surprising since many nomads only work remotely in this manner for a part of the year. (MBO)

24. Average Income Is $50,000 to $99,999 Annually

Most digital nomads earn between $50,000 and $99,999 annually. Working on hourly rates, remote workers typically earn between $10 and $30 based on their qualifications, experience, and industry. (Citizen Remote)

25. 70% Work 40 Hours per Week or Fewer

Around 70% of digital nomads work 40 hours per week or fewer. In contrast, only one-third of digital nomads work more than 40 hours per week.

This figure is much lower compared to the general population, where 86% of men and 67% of women in the non-nomad workforce report working more than 40 hours per week. (FlexJobs)

26. Skype Is the Most Used Communication Tool of Digital Nomads

Communication tools have taken the world by storm in the past few decades, especially since the pandemic. The most popular tool among digital nomads for communication is Skype, used by 67%. Google Chat follows at 34%, GoToMeeting at 32%, Google Hangouts at 29%, and Zoom at 24%. (FlexJobs)

27. Most Digital Nomads Work From Their Hotel or a Cafe

In a survey, digital nomads revealed where they work while working remotely. The majority of nomads work from their hotel or hostel (46%), in a coffee shop or restaurant (45%), in their Airbnb (27%), in a mode of transportation (21%), or even in a library (20%). Only 19% of digital nomads work in coworking spaces. (FlexJobs)

28. Software Development Has the Highest Percentage of Digital Nomad Men

Digital nomad men primarily work in technology and entrepreneurship. The most common fields include software development, where 34% of nomad men are employed, showing a mind-boggling 242% higher participation than women.

Web development follows with 28% of nomad men engaged, which is 255% higher than women. The third major field is as a startup founder, with 27% of men working in this area, which is 134% more than their female counterparts. (Statista)

29. Most Digital Nomad Women Work in Marketing

30% of nomad women work in marketing or other creative fields, which matches the percentage of men in the same field. Additionally, 11% of women work as startup founders, which is 57% less compared to the participation rate of men in this sector.  (Statista)

30. 91% of Digital Nomads Use a Laptop for Work

The most critical technology tool for digital nomads is the laptop, essential for 91% of them. Close behind is the cell phone at 88%.

Other important tools include a battery charger (67%), a hotspot device (51%) for reliable internet access, and a wall power outlet adapter (48%), which is important for keeping devices powered up. (FlexJobs)

Are you in the market for a new laptop? Check out our list of the 10 best laptops for digital nomads!

Where Are Digital Nomads Traveling?

One of the defining characteristics of the digital nomad lifestyle is the ability to freely roam the globe and set up your remote office in essentially any country with a good wifi connection. So, where are digital nomads traveling to? Let’s take a look at what the statistics show!

31. United States Tops Visited Countries by Digital Nomads

As of March 2024, the United States remains the most visited destination for digital nomads, attracting about 14% of their travel activities globally.

The popularity of the U.S. is likely due to the fact that most digital nomads are US citizens, so they likely travel to and from the US often. (Statista)

32. Spain Is the Favorite Destination in Europe

Spain is the preferred spot for digital nomads in Europe, mainly because it offers a digital nomad visa, has a lower cost of living than other Western European countries, and has a relaxed lifestyle. The country also offers reduced tax rates to digital nomads and has some of the highest internet speeds in the world. (VisaGuide)

33. Romania Attracts with High Internet Speed and Low Living Costs

Romania ranks second in Europe for digital nomads due to having the highest internet speed of all surveyed countries and the lowest monthly living cost at €539. 

However, it sets a high minimum income requirement of €3,700 for its visa, which might be a hurdle for some. (VisaGuide)

34. Cyprus Is One of the Least Visited Countries By Digital Nomads In Europe

Cyprus ranks as one of the least favorable countries in Europe for digital nomads, coming in second-last globally, out of 38 ranked countries.

After a six-month tax-free period, digital nomads in Cyprus face a high tax rate of 20 to 35%. The country also imposes a high minimum income requirement of €3,500 and suffers from some of the lowest internet speeds in Europe. (VisaGuide)

35. London Is the Most Visited City by Digital Nomads

The top cities for digital nomads based on visits are London, Bangkok, New York City, Berlin, and Lisbon.

London leads with 2.28% of visits, followed closely by Bangkok at 2.02%. New York City, Berlin, and Lisbon also rank highly, with 1.55%, 1.52%, and 1.51%, respectively. (Statista)

36. Bangkok Is the Top Destination for Male Digital Nomads, While Women Prefer Lisbon

Digital nomad men visit Bangkok 25% more often than women, making it their top destination. Conversely, men visit Lisbon and Barcelona less frequently than women, by 18% and 14% respectively. (Nomads)

Coworking spaces, reliable internet, and highly developed infrastructure attract digital nomads to Bangkok. Natural landscapes, low-cost living, and multicultural experience are the top reasons women are choosing Lisbon as their top destination in Portugal.

37. Growing Remote Work Hubs Over the Last 5 Years

The fastest-growing remote work hubs include Cape Town, Melbourne, Asuncion, Da Nang, and Manila, with Asuncion in Paraguay being the most consistently growing digital nomad hub in the last 5 years, from 2020 to 2025. (Nomads)

38. The Number One Most-Liked Country for Digital Nomads Is Japan

While the US is a top travel destination for digital nomads, Japan ranked as the most-liked country for digital nomads in 2025, with an average rating of 4.85 out of 5. Croatia came in second, with a rating of 4.6. Other well-liked countries for digital nomads include Bosnia, Czechia, Poland, South Korea, and Estonia. (Nomads)

Digital Nomad Lifestyle Statistics

Next, let’s break down the lifestyle and daily habits of digital nomads. This will give you some insight into the type of people who are more likely to embrace the nomadic life.

39. More Than Half of Digital Nomads Do Not Follow Any Religion

Over half of digital nomads, 53%, do not follow any religion, highlighting a secular trend within the community.

Meanwhile, 28% consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Other beliefs are less common, with Christianity at 9%, Buddhism at 3%, and Astrology, Islam, and Judaism at 2%. Hinduism accounts for 1% of the community. (Nomads)

40. Majority of Digital Nomads Visit 1-2 Countries

Most digital nomads, 73%, typically visit 1 to 2 countries. A smaller group, 19%, travels to 3 to 4 countries, and only 8% visit more than 5 countries. (FlexJobs)

This pattern shows that while some nomads are extensive travelers, the majority prefer to explore a smaller number of locations.

41. 54% of Digital Nomads Own a Home

About 54% of digital nomads own a home, while the remaining 46% do not own any property and prefer to live a more liberated lifestyle. (Nomads)

42. Flexibility in Work Schedule Is a Top Benefit for Digital Nomads

One of the foremost benefits reported by digital nomads is the flexibility in work schedules. It allows individuals to change their work hours to fit personal preferences and enable a balance between work and leisure that suits their individual needs. (Lexology)

43. Most Digital Nomads Are Heterosexul

The majority of digital nomads identify as heterosexual, comprising 87% of the group. Bisexual individuals represent 8%, while those who are gay or lesbian make up 5%.

44. Most Digital Nomads Eat Meat

Among digital nomad men, 76% eat meat while 24% do not, with 10% identifying as vegetarian, 10% as vegan, and 4% as pescatarian. In contrast, 57% of nomad women consume meat, whereas 43% abstain from meat, of which 18% are vegetarian, 14% as vegan, and 10% as pescatarian. (Nomads)

45. Hiking Is the Preferred Hobby of Male and Female Digital Nomads

Hiking is popular among digital nomads, with 48% of men and 51% of women participating in this sport. Interestingly, hiking is slightly more favored by women in the nomad community. (Nomads)

46. Digital Nomads Plan Slow Travel in the Future

Slow travel is becoming more and more popular amongst digital nomads. Often referred to as “slowmad” travel, it is preferred for its benefits, such as increased social interactions, lower travel costs, deeper cultural understanding, less travel-related stress, and boosted work productivity. (Roadbook)

47. 11% of Digital Nomads Travel with Pets

A surprising number of digital nomads include pets in their travels at 11%! It shows that for some, traveling with pets is an integral part of their lifestyle, adding companionship and a sense of home while on the move. (MBO)

48. Financial Stress Is a Major Challenge for Digital Nomads

Former digital nomads told several reasons for quitting their nomadic lifestyle: financial stress (27%), being away from friends and family (26%), and personal safety (24%). Other factors include feelings of time zone differences making work difficult (23%) and travel burnout (21%). 

These challenges show that the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t all sunshine and daisies and that, for many, it is only sustainable for the short term. However, with that said, the percentage of digital nomads reporting these challenges has declined since 2020. (MBO)

49. For Most Digital Nomads, the Excitement Wears Off Around the 5-Year Mark

The reality is that the digital nomad lifestyle is not the most sustainable. While many do find within the first year that the lifestyle is not for them, for most digital nomads, the excitement generally wears off around the 5-year mark. This 5-year point generally marks a change in the average digital nomad’s lifestyle, when they’ll typically settle down and travel for just a portion of the year. (Andy Sto)

50. Over 70% of Digital Nomads Spend One to Seven Months in Each Destination

Most digital nomads tend to be slower travelers. While some nomads may spend 2 to 3 weeks in each destination (10.9%), the majority tend to stay in each destination for one to two months (29.1%), three to four months (26%), or five to seven months (16.6%). Some nomads prefer to stay even longer, for eight to twelve months (5.5%) or over a year (4.5%). (Statista)

Digital Nomad Impacts on the World

We talk a lot about digital nomad sustainability and ethics here at The Nomad Almanac, but we will let the stats do the talking here.

51. Digital Nomads Environmental Impact Producing 75% Less CO2 Than Average Americans

Though digital nomads often fly between destinations, they typically travel slower than tourists and rely more on public transport rather than owning or purchasing cars.

This behavior significantly reduces their carbon footprint—data suggests that the average digital nomad produces 75% less CO2 than the average American. (Plumia)

52. 66% Paying Taxes to Home Country

A majority of digital nomads, 66.1%, report paying taxes to their home country, whereas only 19.4% pay taxes to the countries they visit. This raises some ethical eyebrows and leads us to wonder how digital nomads can contribute more to their host communities. (Andy Sto)

53. Economic and Social Impacts of Digital Nomads, Including Positive and Negative Spillovers

Both private and public sectors value digital nomads for their economic contributions, skills, and potential to address labor shortages and increase regional development. 

However, their presence can also pressure local labor markets, especially when they engage in business with local clients. It potentially leads to higher prices and gentrification in the areas they are meant to benefit. (IOM)

54. Digital Nomads and Territorial Development Promoting Growth in Loulé Portugal

In regions like the municipality of Loulé in Portugal, initiatives are underway to attract digital nomads to inland areas to promote growth and development. These efforts aim to repopulate remote areas and boost local economies through the influx of remote workers. (IOM)

55. Digital Nomads Spend 35% of Income Where They Live

Digital nomads typically spend at least 35% of their income on essentials such as food, accommodation, and entertainment.

Nomads are perceived as “generous consumers” by local authorities, notably contributing to local economies by spending money in the places they reside, especially during off-peak tourist seasons. (Netcom)

56. Global Economic Contribution of Digital Nomads Totals $787 Billion Annually

Digital nomads contribute an estimated $787 billion annually to the global economy. If the global digital nomad movement were a country, it would rank 41st in terms of population. It clearly shows the significant economic impact of this growing demographic. (NewlandChase)

Looking into the Future for Digital Nomads

“Digital nomadism” has grown significantly in the past few years. What started as a fringe group of alternative travelers a decade ago is now a massive community that can be found in all corners of the world. So, what does the future hold for digital nomads?

57. 21 Million Americans Plan to Be Digital Nomads

In 2024, about 21 million adult Americans wanted to become digital nomads within the next two to three years.

Another 45 million are considering it, though this interest has slightly decreased by 7% compared to 2023. It indicates a growing curiosity about digital nomadism, though actual commitment may vary. (MBO)

58. Only 7 to 9% of Potential Nomads Commit

Although millions of Americans consider adopting a digital nomad lifestyle, studies show that only 7 to 9% of those who say they will become digital nomads actually do. 

The vast majority remain “armchair digital nomads,” those who enjoy the idea and follow others’ journeys without making the leap themselves. (MBO)

59. 1 Billion Digital Nomads by 2035

The number of digital nomads in the United States has increased fourfold since the pandemic began. It reflects a broader global trend in remote work adoption and the digital nomad lifestyle.

Globally, the founder of Nomad List, Pieter Levels, has projected that the number of digital nomads could soar to 1 billion by 2035. An astonishing growth of nearly 3,000% from current figures highlights this lifestyle’s increasing appeal and feasibility worldwide. (Forbes)

60. SEO Specialist Is One of the Top Digital Nomad Roles

The landscape of work for digital nomads is diverse, with some roles proving particularly popular in recent years. These include SEO Specialists, Social Media Managers, and Web Developers.

Freelance Writers, Graphic Designers, Influencers/Content Creators, and Virtual Assistants are also in high demand. (GoOverseas)

61. 95% of Digital Nomads Say They Will Continue to Be Digital Nomads

A whopping 95% of digital nomads say they will either definitely (60%) or maybe (35%) continue to be nomads. However, in reality, an estimated 15-17% may return to a more traditional lifestyle every year.

And, of the nomads who have stopped, a surprisingly high percentage of 21% of ex-nomads plan to become digital nomads again in the future or have at least not crossed it off entirely (58%). (Nomads)

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