Digitunity

This paper provides an analysis of previously unpublished demographic-specific data on individuals and households that either: (1) lack any type of computing device, or (2) rely exclusively on smartphones for their internet connectivity. According to data from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), 1 in 7 households in the United States fit into one of these categories and thus lack large-screen computers. However, this rate varied widely across socioeconomic characteristics.

In September 2025, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2024 American Community Survey data, offering insights into 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. In 2024: 

In today’s technology-driven world, computer and internet skills are vital for access to information and education, workplace competitiveness, and social connectivity. Personal ownership of large-screen computers such as desktops or laptops—and the ability to productively use them—are crucial components of this journey to individual empowerment. To quote the most recent comprehensive study on this topic, “...for closing the digital divide, ...reliable computer access is critical.

A newly released set of interactive maps from Digitunity paints a clearer picture of how many households in the United States do not own a large-screen computer.

This case study examines the digital divide in Mississippi’s Coahoma and Warren counties, where 39 percent and 25.3 percent of households, respectively, lack access to a large-screen computer. Through partnerships with the Mississippi Broadband Association, AT&T, and local organizations, Digitunity has provided residents in this area with refurbished laptop computers and connections to digital skills training and affordable internet access.

Telling an evidence-based story of organizational success is essential for acquiring grants, building trust with clients, and establishing strong ties with partner organizations. As federal funding radically alters the digital equity landscape over the coming decade, this task will only become more important. To support organizations positioned to receive those funds we build on existing evaluation guides targeting the digital equity practitioner community.

The purpose of this brief is to raise awareness of the difficulties rural communities face when trying to address the device ownership issue. Rural areas are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to providing and supporting device ownership. This is a crucial piece of the internet use and digital equity puzzle. These rural-oriented difficulties are broken into three categories summarized as the “Three S’s:” Status Quo, Supply, and Support.