American superstar cities fade as remote work sparks migration southward and inland, exacerbating urban sprawl

Abstract The rise of remote work has impacted residential and employment location decisions significantly, as physical proximity is no longer necessary for many job functions. This study examines recent trends in employment and population distribution in the United States, focusing on the impact of work-from-home (WFH) in the post-COVID-19-pandemic era. Our findings reveal that the largest cities have experienced declines in their centres, while exurban and peri-urban counties – particularly in the Sunbelt – demonstrate resilience and growth. Counties with higher WFH adoption also perform better economically. Although WFH practices have not fully decoupled jobs and people, they have reinforced existing population growth patterns driven by lifestyle, affordability, taxation, and job opportunities.