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Surveys and Programs Contributing to Computer and Internet Use

Listed below are the surveys, censuses and programs that contribute data and other content to this topic. Click on the links to learn more.

American Community Survey (ACS)

The American Community Survey (ACS) is an annual, nationwide survey of more than 3.5 million households in the U.S. The ACS is part of the Decennial Census Program and replaces the long form, which the Census Bureau last used during Census 2000. The survey produces statistics on demographic, social, economic, and other characteristics about our nation's population and housing. We release both 1-year and 5-year estimates.

Data about computers and Internet use have been collected since 2013.  In addition to nation and states, data are also available for smaller geographies such as counties and cities.  

Current Population Survey (CPS)

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of about 50,000 households conducted by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is also the primary source of labor force statistics for the population of the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sponsors the survey, and the U.S. Census Bureau collects the data each month. The CPS consists of a sample of about 60,000 occupied households. Households are in the survey for four consecutive months, out for eight, and then return for another four months before leaving the sample permanently.

Data on computer use was first collected in the CPS in October 1984, and questions were asked again in October 1989, and October 1993. In October 1997, questions on Internet use were added. Both computer and Internet data are available from CPS supplements administered in October 1997, October 2000, October 2001, October 2003, October 2007, October 2009, October 2010, July 2011, July 2012, and July 2013. These data are available for the nation and states. Current plans are to continue the series on a biennial basis.

Page Last Revised - December 3, 2021
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