Device Essentials for Digital Equity

The United States’ Computer Ownership Gap Persists

In September 2025, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) data offering insights of important national and state-level digital divide trends. Digitunity identified and analyzed two data points illustrating the (1) number of households without any type of computing device and (2) households that rely solely on a smartphone to go online. Together, these data points yield the statistic we call households without a large screen computer. The National Snapshot: 17.7

Rural road with grass bordering each side.

Supportive and Sustainable Computer Ecosystems for Rural Communities: Key Takeaways and Actionable Strategies

This report examines the state of computer ownership in the United States, offering new insights into who lacks access to large-screen computers and why it matters. Drawing on original data analysis and the latest research, the report explores the impact of computer ownership on economic opportunity, education, and digital participation.

Why Computers Matter: A Conversation with Dr. Amy Gonzales

Watch Digitunity’s interview with Dr. Amy Gonzales, whose new research reveals that computer ownership is more critical for meaningful internet us than in-home internet. Based on U.S. census data.

Device Essentials for Digital Equity