Some States Lag Behind in Internet Adoption

New census estimates show that while a growing number of Americans surf the Web, some states still lag behind in Internet adoption. About 71 percent of U.S. households were connected to the Internet in 2010, according to Current Population Survey estimates.

That’s up from 61.7 percent in 2007, with the rate steadily climbing since the first homes plugged in during the 1990s. But strong divides in Internet access remain, with adoption rates varying widely among different regions and demographic groups. In some rural areas, Internet providers offer limited coverage or slow connection speeds. Many low income Americans also opt not to purchase Internet service, citing cost concerns. Data indicates southern states have the nation's lowest household adoption rates. New Mexico recorded a household adoption rate of 64.1 percent – the lowest of any state, likely explained in part by its high Hispanic and American Indian population, groups typically less likely to connect to the Internet. Mississippi and Arkansas reported the next-lowest adoption rates for residents age 3 and up. By comparison, an estimated 86.2 percent of New Hampshire residents had household Internet access, the highest share in the 2010 survey.