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State Health Compare

Percent of households with a broadband internet subscription

Measure Overview

Having access to the internet allows individuals to readily obtain needed information, exchange ideas with others, follow current events in real-time, work remotely, and perform numerous other tasks for the purposes of employment and leisure. And, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, broadband internet access is an essential tool for individuals seeking telehealth and telemedicine services while lockdowns and strict social distancing measures were in effect. Beyond the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), telehealth services and broadband internet access remain important sources of health care for people across the country, particularly in rural or other areas far from clinics or hospitals. 

Given that the internet and telehealth will continue to play a central role in health and health care, it is important to understand who does and who does not have internet or broadband access. The digital divide describes the gaps that exist in who is able to access and use the internet and other technology. By identifying disparities in broadband internet access across the U.S., policymakers, researchers, and communities can work to close those gaps and help ensure that all individuals can utilize the internet to access the information and care they need. 

Percent of Households with Broadband Internet Subscription by State: Breakdowns and Data Source 


State Health Compare provides annual, state-level estimates of broadband internet access based on data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files. 

Three breakdowns are available for this measure: Disability Status, Family Income, and Medicaid Enrollment.

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