The line chart illustrates the proportion of US households with different levels of computer ownership between 1997 and 2012.
Overall, a clear trend emerges: as technology becomes more accessible and integral to everyday life, the percentage of households without any computer decreased markedly, while those owning 1 computer experience significant growth.
In 1997, the majority of American households (around 70%) did not own a computer, while only about 28% had one. Over time, this situation changed dramatically. The percentage of households owning one computer doubled, reaching 50% in 2003, and remained relatively stable at this level until 2012. In contrast, the group without any computer saw a continuous and sharp decline. By 2012, fewer than 20% of households fell into this category, reflecting a major shift in digital access.
In 1997, only about 5% of households had two computers, while ownership of three or more was nearly nonexistent. Over the years, the number of households with two computers rose steadily, surpassing 20% by 2012. Similarly, the percentage of households owning three or more computers increased gradually, reaching nearly 10% in 2006 and staying around that level until the end of the period. These trends indicate a growing preference for multiple devices in each household.