Is working from home booming in your town? See where the most workers stay home in PA

Chris Ullery, Bucks County Courier Times
·15 min read

Editor's note: The data used in this analysis was supplied by the U.S. Census' five-year American Community Survey of worker commutes in 2018 and 2021. The ACS includes rough estimates of work force data at the municipal level, and actual values may be slightly different.

The coronavirus pandemic forced many Pennsylvanians out of the office in 2020, but nearly 10% of the state's 6.1 million-person workforce in 2021 was still working from home, according to census data.

About 280,415 people reportedly worked from home in 2018, but that total increased by almost 115% in 2021 to over 603,000 working from home.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh saw the biggest increases in at-home workers over that period, with 51,283 and 14,146 more at home workers, respectively.

Traffic crossese a bridge in Morrisville, Bucks County. Working from home has cut the commute for more than 603,000 workers in Pennsylvania in 2021, a 115% jump from home workers in 2018, according to census data.
Traffic crossese a bridge in Morrisville, Bucks County. Working from home has cut the commute for more than 603,000 workers in Pennsylvania in 2021, a 115% jump from home workers in 2018, according to census data.

Working from home has grown across the state, with only about 500 of over 2,500 municipalities reporting fewer people working from home in 2021 compared to 2022.

Here's a list of the top 50 towns with the biggest increases in work-from-home (WFH) jobs in Pennsylvania:

1. Philadelphia, Philadelphia County

WFH growth: Approximately 51,283 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 11% in 2021, a 7 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 39,881 workers between 2018 and 2021.

2. Pittsburgh, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 14,146 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 14% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 4,296 workers between 2018 and 2021.

3. Lower Merion, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 3,138 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 12% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 22% in 2021, a 10 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,743 workers between 2018 and 2021.

4. Haverford Township, Delaware County

WFH growth: Approximately 2,482 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 15% in 2021, a 10 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce shrank by 31 workers between 2018 and 2021.

5. Abington, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 2,475 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 14% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 182 workers between 2018 and 2021.

6. Upper Merion, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 2,401 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 8% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 20% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 2,400 workers between 2018 and 2021.

7. Upper Darby, Delaware County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,916 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 3% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 8% in 2021, a 4 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,713 workers between 2018 and 2021.

8. Bethel Park, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,847 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 6% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 17% in 2021, a 11 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 854 workers between 2018 and 2021.

9. Ross Township, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,839 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 18% in 2021, a 11 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 308 workers between 2018 and 2021.

10. Bensalem, Bucks County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,795 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 3% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 8% in 2021, a 5 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,927 workers between 2018 and 2021.

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11. Cheltenham, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,754 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 14% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 422 workers between 2018 and 2021.

12. Allentown, Lehigh County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,740 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 7% in 2021, a 3 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 4,179 workers between 2018 and 2021.

13. Manheim, Lancaster County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,645 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 12% in 2021, a 7 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 2,668 workers between 2018 and 2021.

14. Lower Makefield, Bucks County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,607 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 9% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 19% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 38 workers between 2018 and 2021.

15. Northampton, Bucks County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,558 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 14% in 2021, a 7 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 707 workers between 2018 and 2021.

16. Lower Paxton, Dauphin County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,555 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 9% in 2021, a 5 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,408 workers between 2018 and 2021.

17. Tredyffrin Township, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,547 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 10% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 20% in 2021, a 10 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 605 workers between 2018 and 2021.

18. Bethlehem, Northampton County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,535 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 10% in 2021, a 6 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 26 workers between 2018 and 2021.

19. West Whiteland, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,484 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 6% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 20% in 2021, a 14 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 516 workers between 2018 and 2021.

20. Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,477 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 8% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 19% in 2021, a 11 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 527 workers between 2018 and 2021.

21. Murrysville Municipality, Westmoreland County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,467 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 21% in 2021, a 14 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 304 workers between 2018 and 2021.

22. Mount Lebanon Township, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,453 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 16% in 2021, a 8 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 997 workers between 2018 and 2021.

23. Cranberry Township, Butler County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,451 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 6% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 14% in 2021, a 8 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,299 workers between 2018 and 2021.

24. Monroeville, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,449 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 6% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 16% in 2021, a 10 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 23 workers between 2018 and 2021.

25. Peters Township, Washington County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,432 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 8% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 21% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 923 workers between 2018 and 2021.

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26. Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,400 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 8% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 17% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 998 workers between 2018 and 2021.

27. Bristol Township, Bucks County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,383 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 2% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 7% in 2021, a 5 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 417 workers between 2018 and 2021.

28. Radnor Township, Delaware County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,373 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 10% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 18% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,168 workers between 2018 and 2021.

29. Plum Borough, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,370 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 15% in 2021, a 9 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 317 workers between 2018 and 2021.

30. Phoenixville Borough, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,315 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 6% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 18% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,164 workers between 2018 and 2021.

31. West Goshen Township, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,299 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 16% in 2021, a 11 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce shrank by 550 workers between 2018 and 2021.

32. Hampden Township, Cumberland County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,284 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 13% in 2021, a 8 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 354 workers between 2018 and 2021.

33. Millcreek Township, Erie County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,283 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 8% in 2021, a 5 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 401 workers between 2018 and 2021.

34. Harrisburg, Dauphin County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,273 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 9% in 2021, a 6 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 481 workers between 2018 and 2021.

35. Marple Township, Delaware County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,246 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 16% in 2021, a 11 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce shrank by 68 workers between 2018 and 2021.

36. West Bradford Township, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,238 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 6% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 22% in 2021, a 16 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 787 workers between 2018 and 2021.

37. Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,214 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 13% in 2021, a 8 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,321 workers between 2018 and 2021.

38. Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,210 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 17% in 2021, a 13 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,058 workers between 2018 and 2021.

39. York, York County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,174 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 2% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 8% in 2021, a 6 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 2,002 workers between 2018 and 2021.

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40. Middletown Township, Bucks County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,174 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 10% in 2021, a 5 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 734 workers between 2018 and 2021.

41. Whitpain Township, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,147 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 8% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 20% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 7 workers between 2018 and 2021.

42. East Goshen Township, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,146 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 18% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 740 workers between 2018 and 2021.

43. Springfield Township, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,141 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 8% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 18% in 2021, a 10 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 509 workers between 2018 and 2021.

44. Upper St. Clair, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,137 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 10% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 20% in 2021, a 10 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 1,052 workers between 2018 and 2021.

45. West Norriton, Montgomery County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,131 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 16% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 294 workers between 2018 and 2021.

46. Doylestown Township, Bucks County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,130 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 23% in 2021, a 15 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce shrank by 462 workers between 2018 and 2021.

47. Scott Township, Allegheny County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,126 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 5% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 17% in 2021, a 12 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 667 workers between 2018 and 2021.

48. Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,116 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 4% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 9% in 2021, a 5 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 656 workers between 2018 and 2021.

49. Uwchlan Township, Chester County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,115 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 7% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 18% in 2021, a 11 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce grew by 184 workers between 2018 and 2021.

50. Erie, Erie County

WFH growth: Approximately 1,110 more employees working from home in 2021 than in 2018.WFH % change: About 3% of labor force worked from home in 2018, compared to 5% in 2021, a 3 point increase.Workforce change: The total workforce shrank by 115 workers between 2018 and 2021.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Hundreds of thousands of PA employees stay home to work pos-pandemic