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 鈥淏roadband鈥 refers to households with one or more of: a cellular data plan; broadband such as cable, fiberoptic, or DSL; or satellite internet service. 鈥淣o computing device鈥 refers to households without a desktop/laptop; tablet; smartphone; or other computer device. 鈥淪martphone only鈥 refers to households with only a smartphone and no other computing device. 鈥淧ercent in poverty鈥 refers to the percentage of individuals in poverty.
To access these and additional data on social determinants of health, visit AHRQ鈥檚 SDOH database page.
Source: 大象视频SDOH Database (Beta version), from American Community Survey 5-year files, 2014-2018.