The line graph illustrates changes in computer ownership in the United States between 1997 and 2012, categorized by the number of computers per household.
Overall, computer ownership became significantly more widespread over the period. The proportion of households without a computer declined markedly, while ownership of multiple computers rose steadily. Although one-computer households initially increased and became the largest category, their figure fell slightly towards the end of the period.
In 1997, approximately 60% of households did not own a computer, making it the largest category at that time. However, this figure decreased consistently throughout the period, reaching just under 20% by 2012. In contrast, the percentage of households with one computer rose from about 35% in 1997 to a peak of roughly 50% in 2001, overtaking those without a computer. After this peak, the proportion declined gradually to around 45% in 2012, though it remained one of the dominant categories.
Meanwhile, households owning two computers experienced steady growth. Starting at only about 5% in 1997, this figure increased significantly to approximately 30% by 2012. A similar but less dramatic upward trend can be observed for households with three or more computers, rising from around 2-3% at the beginning of the period to roughly 15% by the end. Despite remaining the smallest category overall, this group showed consistent growth.
In summary, the data clearly indicate a shift from having no computer to owning one or more devices, particularly multiple computers, over the fifteen-year period.