2026 National Computer Ownership Index
A new annual benchmark for tracking the state of computer ownership in the United States, how the gap is changing, who is most affected, and where action is still needed.
How large is the gap?
IN 2024
32.9M
People in the United States lack access to a large-screen computer.
THE GAP IS MADE UP OF
7.1M
People with no computing device
25.8M
People who rely exclusively on a smartphone
Computer access opens doors to education, better jobs, and a stronger tomorrow.
How has it changed?
2016-2024
The gap is changing, not disappearing.
The number of people without a large-screen computer has declined from 42.8 million to 32.9 million. While the no-device population decreased, the reliance on smartphones increased.
Who experiences the largest gap?
Nearly 3 in 10 adults without a high school diploma lack a large-screen computer.
Education opens the doors to opportunity, and online access helps make it possible.
28.8%
of adults without a high school diploma
3.3%
of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher
Where is it most pronounced?
Rural Households are more likely to lack a large-screen computer
Geography still matters. Rural households are more likely to face barriers to getting online.
16.8%
Rural Households
12.4%
Urban Households
Labor Force
12%
of unemployed people lack a large-screen computer.
With job search, applications, interviews, and training online, computer access is essential for economic opportunity.
Older Adults
16.9%
of adults 65+ lack a large-screen computer.
Smartphone-only access among older adults rose from 4.4% in 2016 to 10.7% in 2024.
Deeper Dive
Explore the Research
Dive into the data, methodology, and additional analyses from the 2026 National Annual Computer Ownership Index.
METHODOLOGY
How the index was built and what it measures
DATA TABLES
Detailed demographic and regional data