How Many Households Own A Computer?

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In 2021, the percentage of U. S. households with at least one type of computer and a broadband internet subscription increased from 92% in 2018 to 96% in 2025, according to the American Community Survey (ACS). The highest percentage of 3- to 18-year-olds who had home internet access through a computer was for those whose parents had attained a bachelor’s or higher degree (98%). Roughly six-in-ten adults living in households earning $100, 000 or more a year reported having home broadband services, a smartphone, a desktop or laptop computer, and a tablet, compared with 23 of those living in households that reported home internet use without paying a cell phone.

Among 52 million households with children present, 74 always had access to a computer for educational purposes in September, while 16 had access most of the time. An additional 8, or 4. 4 million households, had a broadband internet subscription. The percentage of families that own a computer is projected to reach 96. 6 in 2025, but the adoption rate has slowed as computers rapidly reach full capacity. Smartphones were present in 84 of households, while 78 of households owned a desktop or laptop. Tablet ownership fell behind at 63.

By 2000, about half of all households (51%) had a computer, but by 2015, this percentage had grown to 79%. In contrast, the percentage of U. S. homes with personal computers had grown to 79% in 2015. Internet-based companies that survived the bust in the early 2000s and early 2000s have continued to grow, with many businesses focusing on providing affordable and reliable internet access.


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Nearly one in ten people don’t own a computer in the U.S. That can limit their access to jobs, education and socialization.


How Many Households Have Internet Access
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How Many Households Have Internet Access?

In 2021, most U. S. households had access to at least one type of computer (95%) and a broadband internet subscription (90%), showing significant growth since 2018. However, around 11. 5 million households, accounting for 8. 8% of Americans, lack home internet, and 4. 3 million households do not have a computer. Approximately 27% of adults in households earning below $30, 000 are smartphone-only internet users, demonstrating a disparity in internet access.

Although 99. 2% of Americans had access to at least one high-speed internet provider by June 2021, rural and lower-income households lag behind in adoption. For households with children, 73% had consistent internet access for online learning, while 17% had access most of the time. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) reports that about one in five U. S. households still lack home internet connectivity. President Biden's "Internet for All" initiative aims to bridge this gap.

The American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that as of early 2021, 97% of 3- to 18-year-olds had home internet access. Internet connectivity has become increasingly essential in daily life, with nine in ten adults going online daily and 41% doing so almost constantly.

What Percentage Of Kids Have Computers
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What Percentage Of Kids Have Computers?

As of October 2023, 90% of U. S. teens have access to a desktop or laptop computer, with accessibility varying by age: 92% of teens aged 15-17 and 86% of younger teens reported having access. Smartphone ownership is nearly universal among teens at 95%, a rise from 73% in 2014-2015. Meanwhile, 58% have access to a tablet. Parental reports indicate that a significant number of young children also engage with computers and gaming devices.

In 2021, 97% of children aged 3-18 had home internet access, with the highest rates among families with parents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. However, about 11 million students lacked a computer for online learning, and a notable percentage must share devices.

Globally, 1. 3 billion school-age children lack home internet access. In the U. S., more than three-quarters of public schools reported providing digital devices to students, highlighting the importance of access for educational consistency. The data underscores a growing engagement with digital media among teens, who reportedly spend considerable time online and watching television. The rise in device access and internet connectivity reflects broader trends in technology adoption among younger populations, with substantial implications for education and social interaction in an increasingly digital world.

How Many Students Don'T Have Computers At Home
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How Many Students Don'T Have Computers At Home?

The transition to online learning varies significantly among students, mainly due to varying access to internet and technology. Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that 14% of children aged 3-18 lack home internet access, impacting over 9 million schoolchildren struggling to complete online assignments. Additionally, at least 11 million students cannot access a computer for learning, with many needing to share devices with family members.

This disparity is more pronounced among lower-income students and varies geographically. Despite a majority of teachers reporting that over 75% of their students have adequate internet access for participation, a 2019 NAEP questionnaire highlighted that only about 58% of students use the internet at home for homework regularly. Discrepancies in access relate to parental education levels; in 2021, 98% of children with parents holding bachelor’s degrees had home internet.

A joint report noted that globally, 1. 3 billion children aged 3-17 lack home internet connectivity. Affordability is identified as the primary barrier, with many students unable to complete homework due to unreliable internet or lack of devices. As of the 2022-2023 school year, nearly half of K-12 public schools reported aiding students without internet access, yet issues persist, particularly for low-income families.

What Percentage Of Americans Have A Computer At Home
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What Percentage Of Americans Have A Computer At Home?

This graph illustrates the progression of computer ownership among U. S. households from 1984 to 2010. In 2001, 56. 3 percent of households owned a computer. By 2009, computer usage was prevalent among adults, with 77 percent of women and 78 percent of men using computers occasionally. Additionally, in 2005, 81 percent of individuals aged 30-49 engaged with computers at least occasionally. As of June 18, 2024, a report from the U. S. Census Bureau reveals that by 2021, 95 percent of U.

S. households owned at least one computer and 90 percent had broadband internet, a notable increase from 2018's 92 and 85 percent, respectively. Over the decade from 2000 to 2010, the adoption of high-speed broadband surged, with 79 percent of adults now subscribed. Wealthier households demonstrated higher connectivity: 63 percent of those earning $100, 000 or more reported having various devices, compared to 23 percent of lower-income households.

The report indicates that access to the internet through computers or smartphones is integral to daily American life, with 95 percent of adults using the internet and 90 percent owning smartphones. Furthermore, children aged 3-18 from families with at least a bachelor’s degree reported a 98 percent internet access rate at home. Concisely, computer and internet usage have dramatically increased, reflecting technological integration in American households.

How Many Children Don'T Have Internet Access At Home
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How Many Children Don'T Have Internet Access At Home?

Recent statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicate that 14% of children aged 3-18 lack internet access at home, impacting over 9 million schoolchildren's ability to complete online assignments. While, in 2021, about 97% of this age group had access to home internet according to the American Community Survey, the reasons for the significant portion without access vary widely. Globally, approximately 60% of school-age children in urban settings do not have home internet, compared to about 75% in rural households.

A Pew Research Center study previously highlighted that around one-third of U. S. households with school-age children lack high-speed internet. Alarmingly, a joint report from UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union reveals that two-thirds of the world’s school-aged children—about 1. 3 billion—do not have internet access at home. Furthermore, 22% of low-income households are particularly affected, reinforcing the digital divide and exacerbating existing inequalities within communities. In conclusion, a significant digital disparity persists globally, affecting education access for millions of children.

What Percentage Of Households Have Technology
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What Percentage Of Households Have Technology?

In 2023, 72% of individuals resided in households with both fixed and mobile internet connections, an increase from 69% in 2021. The percentage of those living without any internet connection dropped to 12%, down from 14% in 2021. According to the U. S. Census Bureau report released on June 18, 2024, 95% of U. S. households owned at least one type of computer, and 90% had a broadband internet subscription in 2021, reflecting growth from 2018's figures of 92% and 85%, respectively.

Notably, 27% of adults in households earning under $30, 000 are classified as smartphone-only users, lacking broadband internet at home. Access to computers and internet varies geographically, with 14% of households with school-aged children lacking internet; this figure rises to 18% in rural areas. In total, around 11. 5 million U. S. households are without home internet, and 4. 3 million lack a computer, although the number without internet has decreased yearly since 2015.

As of 2021, 96% of U. S. adults reported using the internet, with 80% subscribing to high-speed internet at home. The report underscores the disparities in internet and technology access among different income levels.

How Many Kids Don'T Have Internet At Home
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How Many Kids Don'T Have Internet At Home?

According to a joint report by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2. 2 billion children and young people under 25 lack internet access at home, equating to about two-thirds of this demographic. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) notes that 14% of children aged 3-18 do not have home internet, impacting over 9 million schoolchildren. In contrast, a 2021 American Community Survey revealed that 97% of 3 to 18-year-olds did have internet access.

However, the disparities are stark; 60% of school-age children in urban areas, and approximately 75% in rural areas, lack home internet. Additionally, a Pew Research Center study indicates that roughly one-third of households with children aged 6 to 17 earning below $30, 000 annually do not have high-speed internet. This issue is critical, as 63% of youths aged 15-24, nearly 760 million, also lack access. The findings highlight an urgent need for solutions to bridge the digital divide, especially for low-income households.

For instance, in the Los Angeles Unified School District, 25% of kids do not have internet at home, limiting their ability to participate in remote learning. Amidst a growing focus on digital access, around 12 million U. S. students struggle due to inadequate internet at home, compounding educational challenges.

Do People Use Home Computers Anymore
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Do People Use Home Computers Anymore?

Desktop computers have not yet become obsolete, despite the rise of portable devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets that have transformed work and daily life. While laptops are convenient for on-the-go use—enabling work from various locations—desktops still hold their own in terms of durability, power, and overall usability for specific tasks. Many users still prefer the ergonomic advantages of a full keyboard and larger screen. Although mobile technology has replaced some desktop usage, this shift reflects changing preferences rather than a decline in the desktop's relevance.

Statistics indicate that desktop sales remain significant enough for manufacturers to continue their production, with a notable increase in PC sales between 2020 and 2021. However, many consumers are leaning towards tablets for their needs. For light users, there may be less necessity for a dedicated desktop PC.

While desktops may seem antiquated, they still provide distinct advantages—like affordability, superior performance for demanding applications, and better gaming capabilities. Ultimately, the landscape of computer usage is evolving, but desktops continue to play a vital role for those who require their unique benefits, particularly for work and gaming from home.

What Percent Of Kids Have Electronics
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What Percent Of Kids Have Electronics?

A 2021 survey in the United States revealed that 94% of children aged 8 to 18 had a smartphone at home, up from 91% in 2019. The proportion of children subscribing to streaming services reached 84%. By age 11, 53% of children own a smartphone, and 84% of teenagers possess their own devices, resulting in a complex digital landscape that can be challenging for adults to interpret. Nearly all teens (95%) report having smartphone access, a significant rise from 73% in 2014-2015.

Additionally, tablet access increased by 7 percentage points. Among parents of young children, 44% report their child interacts with a desktop, laptop, or gaming device. The survey found that 98% of homes with children now have at least one mobile device. In households with children aged 0-8, 95% reported smartphone ownership, growing from 63% in 2013. Furthermore, 78% own tablets, a rise from 40% in 2013. About 84% of parents noted their children use technology collaboratively.

The National Survey of Children’s Health (2020) indicated that many children spend over four hours daily on screens. Reports also suggest that 61. 1% of children and adolescents engage in physical activity consistently. Overall, there's been a significant increase in children's access to and ownership of electronic devices, contributing to increased screen time and altering family dynamics.

How Many People Have A Computer In September
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How Many People Have A Computer In September?

In September, of the 52 million households with children, 74% always had computer access for educational purposes, while 16% had access most of the time. An additional 4. 4 million households reported access sometimes, rarely, or never. The Pew Research Center has tracked the growth and distribution of computer and internet access in the U. S. over 20 years, using data from the 2018 American Community Survey (ACS). By October 2024, global internet users reached 5.

52 billion, or 67. 5% of the population. Most U. S. households (95%) had at least one type of computer and 90% had broadband subscriptions in 2021, an increase from 2018's 92% and 85%. The ACS highlights demographic and geographic differences in technology usage, noting disparities between advanced and emerging economies. As of October 2023, 92% of U. S. teenagers aged 15-17 had access to a desktop or laptop at home, and 86% of adults reported getting news from digital devices.

Of Americans with disabilities, 26% had high-speed internet, smartphones, and computers. The statistics indicate that computers serve numerous purposes, from work to education, reflecting a significant reliance on technology especially during the pandemic, when 58% of adults deemed the internet essential.

What Percentage Of Households Have No Internet
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What Percentage Of Households Have No Internet?

As of 2022, approximately 8. 8% of households in the U. S., equating to about 11. 5 million homes, lack a home internet connection, down from 22. 8% in 2015. Alongside this, 4. 3% of households do not own a computer. The trend shows a yearly decline of approximately 2%. While 58% of the 24 million offline households express no interest in going online, 18% cite affordability issues as a barrier, and 4% claim availability is limited in their area. Internet usage tends to be nearly universal among younger adults, those with some college education, and high-income households.

By early 2021, 27% of adults earning under $30, 000 relied solely on smartphones for internet access. Moreover, 14% of children aged 3-18 also lack internet access at home, impacting over 9 million schoolchildren. The FCC reports that around 21. 3 million Americans, or 6. 5% of the population, lack broadband access. Notably, 92% of households earning over $75, 000 have stable broadband, contrasting with only 56% of those making below $30, 000. Despite advances, these statistics underscore significant connectivity disparities across socioeconomic lines.

How Many Americans Are Not Connected To The Internet At Home
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How Many Americans Are Not Connected To The Internet At Home?

Access to the internet is crucial for participation in the modern economy, yet approximately 20% of U. S. households lack a home connection. According to a 2022 U. S. Census Bureau survey, about 8. 8% of households, equivalent to around 11. 5 million homes, do not have internet access. Addressing this issue, President Biden's Internet for All initiative aims to ensure that all Americans have affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Notably, 15% of U. S. adults are "smartphone-only" users, owning a smartphone but not subscribing to a home broadband service.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 allocated $42. 5 billion to support broadband equity and access. In rural areas, where internet access remains limited, initiatives like the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect program have been implemented since 2019. While the percentage of households lacking internet has decreased significantly from 22. 8% in 2015 to the current levels, disparities persist, particularly among older adults, with 25% of those aged 65 and above never going online.

In 2021, 95% of U. S. households owned at least one type of computer, and 90% had broadband subscriptions. The median download speed in the U. S. stands at 242 Mbps, ranking it as the sixth fastest globally.


📹 Non-profit provides free computers, training to families

It’s virtually impossible in this day and age for a child to excel in the classroom without having access to a computer at home.


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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