Poverty and Access to Internet, by County

Access to the internet via computers and smartphones contributes to well-being in multiple ways. For health, internet access is essential for obtaining home-based telemedicine and is increasingly important for basic healthcare access, including making appointments with providers, getting test results, and accessing medical records. Internet access also may help individuals seek employment opportunities, conduct remote work, and participate in online educational activities.

The map below shows county-level percentages of households with computers and smartphones and percentages of households with any type of broadband (including cellular data plans). Because these rates increase with income, the map also shows county-level percentages of individuals in poverty.

Please note that “Broadband” refers to households with one or more of: a cellular data plan; broadband such as cable, fiberoptic, or DSL; or satellite internet service. “No computing device” refers to households without a desktop/laptop; tablet; smartphone; or other computer device. “Smartphone only” refers to households with only a smartphone and no other computing device. “Percent in poverty” refers to the percentage of individuals in poverty.

To access these and additional data on social determinants of health, visit AHRQ’s SDOH database page.

Source: AHRQ SDOH Database (Beta version), from American Community Survey 5-year files, 2014-2018.